Sudan Conflict Displaces 18,000 in West Darfur as RSF Encircles El Obeid

Ongoing fighting in the Sudan conflict has deepened humanitarian needs across the country, with recent clashes in West Darfur displacing thousands more civilians into Chad while the RSF encircles El Obeid in North Kordofan and funding shortfalls close health facilities.

Current Military Developments

RSF forces have encircled El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, threatening a full-scale assault as civilians continue to flee to the city for safety. [1] OCHA drew particular attention to the situation around El Obeid, where insecurity continues to endanger civilians and drive displacement. [1] People are flocking to the city and surrounding areas in search of safety and assistance. [1] The rebel RSF militia have effectively encircled the town and are threatening a full-scale ground assault. [1] Fighting in Sirba locality, West Darfur, has displaced roughly 18,000 people from more than 20 villages in the past week, with most fleeing across the border into Chad. [1] The International Organization for Migration reported that fighting in Sirba locality has displaced roughly 18,000 people from more than 20 villages since last week. [1] Security incidents reported between 3 and 4 August 2026 in Birséliba and surrounding localities near the Sudanese border reportedly had a severe impact on civilian populations. [3] The governor of Darfur region, Minni Arko Minawi, announced that the Sudanese army repelled a large-scale attack by the RSF on the Birseliba area. [2] Birseliba lies north of Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state, and holds strategic importance due to its location on roads leading to the city. [2]

Displacement and Cross-Border Flows

Fighting in West Darfur has displaced some 18,000 people from more than 20 villages in the past week alone, most fleeing across the border into Chad. [1] The International Organization for Migration reported that teams tracking displacement estimated that 5,135 people fled from villages in Sirba locality in West Darfur state until 8 August following the outbreak of fighting in the Birseliba area. [2] Most of the affected families reportedly fled across the border into Chad. [2] The war in Sudan erupted in April 2023, creating one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. [1] More than 30 million people need humanitarian assistance and more than nine million are internally displaced since the war began in April 2023. [1] According to data from the International Organization for Migration, the number of internally displaced persons in Sudan reached about 8.69 million people by the end of June 2026. [2]

Sudanese civilians flee fighting in West Darfur and cross into eastern Chad. — Source: reliefweb

Humanitarian Conditions and Service Gaps

Funding shortfalls forced the closure of three health facilities in Central Darfur, cutting off some 75,000 displaced people from essential care. [1] Despite the challenging environment, the UN and partners are reaching people in El Obeid. [1] They have provided two million litres of drinking water to about 133,000 people amid severe water shortages. [1] OCHA continues to urge donors to provide additional support for the humanitarian response in Sudan. [1] The security situation in Chad remains generally stable, although some border areas with Sudan, particularly in the Wadi Fira and Sila provinces, continue to be closely monitored. [3]

Funding Shortfalls and Appeals

Sudan's $3 billion humanitarian appeal is only 40 percent funded, with $1.2 billion received so far this year. [1] A nearly $3 billion appeal to meet needs this year is just over 40 per cent funded, with $1.2 billion received to date. [1] Funding shortfalls have forced the recent closure of three health facilities in Central Darfur state, leaving some 75,000 displaced people without adequate access to essential health services. [1] Funding gaps are limiting the assistance available to people in need. [1]

Sudanese refugees from West Darfur arrive in Chad amid ongoing conflict displacement. — Source: reliefweb

Calls for Civilian Protection and Aid Access

OCHA once again called on all parties to protect civilians and to facilitate rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access. [1] The war in Sudan shows no signs of stopping as the Sudanese Armed Forces and former allies the Rapid Support Forces remain locked in a brutal battle for power. [1] OCHA drew particular attention to the need for greater civilian protection. [1]

Diplomatic Efforts Toward Cessation of Hostilities

As the war grinds on, the UN remains committed to achieving de-escalation. [1] The Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, continues to engage the parties. [1] He has been able to have meetings with both of the sides, and is trying to work with them. [1] The Envoy also continues to work with UN partners, including the African Union, the League of Arab States, and the East African bloc IGAD to actually get a full cessation of hostilities and progress in negotiations between the parties. [1] UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told journalists in New York about the Envoy's efforts. [1]

What to watch next: The Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Sudan continues engagement with the parties and regional organizations to secure a full cessation of hostilities.