Civilna vojna v Sudanu: Ko droni udarijo v učilnico

The Sudanese armed forces have launched a strategic offensive, seizing control of four key towns along the road connecting Khartoum to El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, on July 26, 2025. This marks a turning point in the ongoing conflict, which has remained largely stagnant for months. The captured towns lie on a critical route, reinforcing the army’s position and potentially altering the balance of power in the region. According to military sources, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the army’s main rival, had been gathering strength near El-Obeid for weeks, preparing for a potential breakthrough. Now, with the army pushing them back, the front lines have shifted significantly. The offensive follows nearly two years of intense warfare that has left much of Sudan in ruins. Since April 2023, the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF has escalated into one of the deadliest crises in modern history. Reports indicate that over 200,000 people have lost their lives, and millions face starvation. The humanitarian toll continues to mount, with entire communities displaced and basic services such as healthcare and clean water becoming increasingly scarce. In the bordering country of Chad, the situation has worsened dramatically, with over 938,000 Sudanese refugees fleeing the violence. In eastern Chad, the overcrowded refugee camps have become sites of desperate struggle. At the Goudrane refugee camp, conditions have deteriorated to a crisis level due to a severe lack of clean water. For nearly four days, the reservoirs were completely empty, forcing residents to rely on sporadic deliveries. A truck carrying 6,000 liters of water arrived, drawing hundreds of people to the site. Women and children were among the first to arrive, often standing in line for hours. Some resorted to extreme measures, including pouring out the limited water they had brought with them, simply to secure access to the new supply. According to survivors, within ten minutes, the entire load was gone, leaving families once again without reliable access to water. The scarcity of resources has led to heightened tensions and desperation. Local reports describe scenes of chaos, with parents unable to protect their children from the harsh realities of survival. One mother, Rokhia Ibrahim, recalled how she had to watch helplessly as her family struggled to find even a few drops of water during their escape from Sudan. “I watched as soldiers poured out the little water we had,” she said. “And now, almost nothing remains.” The crisis extends beyond immediate survival concerns. Health professionals in the camps have expressed alarm over the growing impact of water shortages on public health. A doctor at the Goudrane health post noted that without clean water, essential treatments for infections and diseases cannot be administered effectively. “We have medicine for treating illnesses, but without clean water, these medicines are useless,” he explained. International aid groups have also raised urgent warnings about the worsening conditions. French humanitarian organisation Solidarités International, which has operated in Chad since 2008, described the current water crisis as one of the most severe challenges they have faced. Despite efforts to improve access, financial constraints limit the ability to meet the increasing demand. “We are doing everything possible to improve water access, but our current funding is insufficient to ensure safe water for everyone,” said Thibault Henry, the organisation’s director. Meanwhile, the conflict itself shows no signs of abating. The war, now entering its fourth year, has spread across much of Sudan, with attacks intensifying and new waves of refugees continuing to flee. The United Nations has repeatedly called the situation the worst humanitarian and refugee crisis in the world. Despite international calls for peace, progress has been minimal, and hopes of returning home remain distant for many displaced individuals. In El-Obeid, the strategic significance of the town has made it a focal point of the battle. Located at a crucial crossroads, the city serves as a vital link between Khartoum and the western regions of Darfur, areas heavily influenced by the RSF. With the SAF reclaiming control, the town now stands as a symbol of shifting military fortunes. However, the road to Khartoum remains blocked to civilians, and the future of the region remains uncertain. As the conflict continues, the human cost grows ever more profound, with countless lives hanging in the balance.