Sudan War Obe El Obeid: Voices from the city at the heart of the war

El Obeid, a city located in North Kordofan state, has become a focal point of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Residents describe their daily lives under constant aerial bombardment, with drone strikes becoming a routine part of their existence. The situation has deteriorated significantly over recent months, marked by dwindling water supplies, rising food prices, and severe disruptions to essential services. As the city serves as a critical transportation hub connecting eastern and central regions controlled by the Sudanese Armed Forces with western areas dominated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), its strategic importance has made it a target for both sides. The city's population has swelled due to displacement, with more than half a million residents currently living there, including many internally displaced persons. This influx has placed additional strain on already fragile infrastructure and limited resources. According to local reports, the frequency of drone attacks has increased dramatically, making life increasingly perilous for civilians. Huda Omar, a mother of two children, described how these attacks have become as much a part of daily life as basic necessities. She noted that while hunger and thirst can be endured, the fear of being targeted by drones is omnipresent. Educational institutions in El Obeid have also been affected. Sujood Al-Rasheed, a 23-year-old studying financial accounting, recounted how her classes often depend on whether instructors can reach the campus. Public transport has become unreliable, with buses running irregularly and fares increasing. The presence of drones overhead adds to the sense of insecurity, as they strike both military and civilian targets indiscriminately. The humanitarian crisis in El Obeid mirrors developments in El Fasher, another city in Darfur that suffered prolonged siege by the RSF. Over 18 months, the RSF surrounded El Fasher, leading to mass killings, sexual violence, kidnappings, and ethnically motivated atrocities. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International have condemned these actions as crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing, while United Nations investigators have identified signs of genocide. These experiences have heightened concerns in El Obeid, prompting early warnings from international bodies. The United Nations has raised alarms over similar patterns emerging in El Obeid, including encirclement, attacks on vital infrastructure, and restricted access to aid. Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, warned in July that this is not a drill but an urgent call for action. He emphasized the need for immediate intervention to prevent a recurrence of the horrors witnessed in El Fasher. Meanwhile, the supply of external assistance faces growing challenges. RSF drones monitor the main road into El Obeid, targeting trucks carrying food, medical supplies, and other essentials. Abrar Mohammed, representing a relief organization, explained that these attacks have led to sharp price increases, disproportionately affecting the civilian population. The blockade primarily impacts those who need help the most, exacerbating existing hardships. The market area near El Obeid reflects the broader economic struggles, with goods scarce and prices soaring due to disrupted supply routes. The situation underscores the deepening humanitarian emergency, as both sides continue to escalate hostilities, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire.