Thousands Seek Safety in El Obeid Amid Kordofan Fighting

Escalating violence in Kordofan drives mass displacement

Since the outbreak of renewed hostilities in Sudan’s Kordofan region early this year, the scale of civilian movement has surged dramatically. The fighting, which pits the Sudanese Armed Forces against the Rapid Support Forces and a variety of local militias, has left towns and villages vulnerable to artillery fire, aerial bombardment and ground assaults. Residents of towns such as Kadugli, Al-Ubayyid and Abyei report that daily life has become untenable, prompting families to seek shelter elsewhere.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs notes that more than 150,000 people have been displaced from Kordofan since March, a figure that continues to rise as combat intensifies. UN OCHA’s latest briefing highlights the rapid pace of displacement and the growing need for emergency assistance.

Key actors and recent developments

In recent weeks, the Sudanese Armed Forces have launched a series of offensives aimed at reclaiming strategic oil fields in the region. The Rapid Support Forces, backed by foreign mercenaries, have responded with counter‑attacks that have devastated civilian infrastructure. According to a Reuters report on Kordofan fighting, aerial strikes have targeted markets and schools, further eroding any semblance of normalcy.

El Obeid emerges as a temporary refuge

Located roughly 300 kilometres north of the most active combat zones, El Obeid has become the primary destination for those fleeing Kordofan. The city, the capital of North Kordofan state, offers relatively better security due to a stronger presence of government forces and a network of aid agencies. While El Obeid itself has not escaped the conflict, its position away from front‑line battles makes it a logical gathering point for displaced families.

Local authorities report that the city’s population has swelled by an estimated 70,000 people in the past month alone. This influx has strained public services, including water supply, sanitation and health facilities.

Humanitarian response on the ground

International NGOs, the World Food Programme and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees have mobilised resources to address the urgent needs of the newcomers. Temporary shelters constructed from canvas and metal sheeting dot the outskirts of the city, while distribution points provide staple foods such as sorghum, lentils and cooking oil.

A recent assessment by Human Rights Watch underscores the critical gap in medical care, noting that clinics are overwhelmed and lack essential medicines for chronic conditions.

Challenges faced by displaced families

The journey from Kordofan to El Obeid is fraught with danger. Families travel on foot, by donkey or in overloaded trucks, often navigating roads that have been mined or blocked by combatants. Upon arrival, they encounter a new set of hardships.

• Insufficient shelter leading to exposure to extreme heat.
• Limited access to clean water, increasing the risk of water‑borne diseases.
• Food insecurity as aid deliveries struggle to keep pace with demand.
• Disruption of education for children, many of whom have missed months of schooling.
• Psychological trauma stemming from violence and loss.

Access to food, water and shelter

Food distribution points operate on a schedule that often leaves families waiting for hours. While the World Food Programme has increased its rations, the sheer number of people in need outstrips available supplies. Water trucks deliver to designated collection sites, but queues can extend for several hours, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

Shelter solutions remain provisional. Canvas tents provide minimal protection, and many families resort to sleeping on the ground under makeshift tarps. The lack of durable housing exacerbates exposure to the desert climate, where daytime temperatures regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius.

Health risks and protection concerns

Overcrowded conditions foster the spread of infectious diseases. Cases of cholera and acute respiratory infections have risen sharply, according to health workers at the main clinic in El Obeid. The shortage of qualified medical staff forces clinicians to triage patients, leaving many with chronic illnesses untreated.

Protection agencies report an increase in gender‑based violence, particularly against women and girls who travel alone or stay in poorly secured shelters. Efforts to establish safe spaces have been hampered by limited funding and the need for rapid deployment.

International attention and aid coordination

The displacement crisis has attracted the focus of several international bodies. The African Union, the United Nations and the European Union have issued statements urging all parties to respect humanitarian corridors and to allow aid convoys unimpeded access.

In a detailed analysis, the International Crisis Group emphasizes that without a coordinated ceasefire, any humanitarian effort will remain short‑term and reactive.

Funding gaps and logistical hurdles

Donor fatigue is evident as the conflict stretches into its second year. Funding appeals launched by the United Nations appeal for $500 million to cover the 2024 humanitarian response, yet only a fraction of that amount has been pledged. Logistical challenges, such as damaged roads and the presence of landmines, further impede the delivery of aid.

Air drops have been employed in remote areas, but they are costly and can only provide limited quantities of supplies. Ground convoys remain the most efficient method, provided they receive security guarantees from both warring sides.

What the future may hold for displaced Sudanese

Long‑term solutions will depend on a durable political settlement that ends hostilities across Sudan. Until such an agreement is reached, cities like El Obeid will continue to bear the brunt of population movements.

Experts suggest that integrating displaced families into host communities through cash‑based assistance and livelihood programmes could mitigate the pressure on emergency shelters. Education initiatives, such as temporary learning centres, are also crucial to prevent a lost generation.

For now, the humanitarian community remains focused on delivering life‑saving assistance, while advocating for the protection of civilians under international law. The resilience of Sudanese families, coupled with coordinated international support, offers a glimmer of hope amid the ongoing turmoil.