Sudan Conflict Displaces 18,000 in West Darfur as RSF Encircles El Obeid
Reporting based primarily on allafrica.com.
The Sudan conflict continues to represent one of the world's most severe humanitarian emergencies, with ongoing fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces driving unprecedented levels of displacement, violence, and suffering. [1] RSF forces have encircled El Obeid, capital of North Kordofan, threatening a full-scale assault while civilians continue to flee to the city for safety. [3] Fighting in Sirba locality, West Darfur, has displaced roughly 18,000 people from more than 20 villages in the past week, with most crossing into Chad. [3]
Current Military Situation
RSF forces have encircled El Obeid, capital of North Kordofan, threatening a full-scale assault as civilians flee there for safety. [3] OCHA drew particular attention to the situation around El Obeid, where insecurity continues to endanger civilians and drive displacement. [3] The rebel RSF militia have effectively encircled the town and are threatening a full-scale ground assault. [3] The war in Sudan shows no signs of stopping as the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces remain locked in a brutal battle for power. [3]
Displacement and Civilian Impact
People are flocking to the city and surrounding areas in search of safety and assistance. [3] IOM reported that fighting in Sirba locality, West Darfur state, has displaced roughly 18,000 people from more than 20 villages since last week. [3] Most have reportedly fled across the border into Chad. [3] The war erupted in April 2023, creating one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. [3] More than 30 million people need humanitarian assistance and more than nine million people are displaced within the country. [3]
Humanitarian access snapshot map for South Sudan in July 2026. — Source: reliefweb
Humanitarian Access and Response
Despite the challenging environment, the UN and partners are reaching people in El Obeid. [3] They have provided two million litres of drinking water to about 133,000 people amid severe water shortages. [3] OCHA continues to urge donors to provide additional support for the humanitarian response in Sudan. [3] The Sudan crisis continues to represent one of the world's most severe humanitarian emergencies. [1]
Health and Service Gaps
Funding shortfalls have forced the closure of three health facilities in Central Darfur, cutting off some 75,000 displaced people from essential care. [3] Funding shortfalls 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. [3] OCHA drew particular attention to constraints on humanitarian operations amid the ongoing conflict. [3]
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Funding Shortfalls
Sudan's nearly $3 billion humanitarian appeal is only 40 percent funded, with $1.2 billion received so far this year. [3] Funding gaps are limiting the assistance available to people in need. [3] A nearly $3 billion appeal to meet needs this year is just over 40 per cent funded, with $1.2 billion received to date. [3]
Diplomatic Efforts
The UN remains committed to achieving de-escalation. [3] The Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, continues to engage the parties. [3] He has been able to have meetings with both of the sides, and is trying to work with them. [3] 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. [3]
What to watch next: The UN Personal Envoy for Sudan continues diplomatic efforts with the warring parties and regional organizations to secure a cessation of hostilities.
