What will it take to stop the conflict in Sudan?
Sudan's three-year conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces has created the world's largest humanitarian crisis, displacing over 13 million people and killing tens of thousands. Recent fighting around el-Obeid has seen the army retake a key highway to Khartoum, though hundreds of thousands remain at risk in the besieged city.
Sudan faces an ongoing armed conflict between government forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces that has persisted for three years, leaving the country in severe humanitarian distress. The fighting has displaced more than 13 million people and resulted in tens of thousands of civilian deaths, creating what international observers describe as the world's largest humanitarian crisis. The broader population faces acute challenges, with more than half requiring humanitarian assistance, healthcare infrastructure severely damaged, and millions of children unable to attend school.
Both warring parties have faced accusations of committing war crimes and perpetrating various abuses against civilians. The recent phase of conflict has concentrated around the city of el-Obeid, which has been placed under siege by paramilitary forces. In a significant tactical development, the Sudanese army announced it had successfully retaken a major highway that connects el-Obeid to the capital, Khartoum. This recapture of the transportation link may reduce the operational advantages held by the Rapid Support Forces in the region.
Despite the army's territorial gains, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Hundreds of thousands of civilians trapped within el-Obeid and surrounding areas continue to face severe risks, including food insecurity, disease, and ongoing violence. The restoration of the highway does not immediately resolve the broader crisis affecting the population.
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