Sudan's el‑Obeid faces mass displacement as RSF forces close in

Thousands of civilians have fled to the city of el‑Obeid in Sudan seeking refuge from the civil war, but the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are advancing toward the army‑held city. The United Nations International Organization for Migration estimates more than 83,000 people are now sheltering in displacement camps that have expanded dramatically since March, with new tents erected daily.

IOM chief Mohamed Refaat warned that families have "run out of safe options" and cautioned that the RSF could repeat atrocities similar to the October massacre in el‑Fasher. The UN and G7 foreign ministers have issued warnings about a possible RSF attack. The RSF launched a record number of drone strikes on el‑Obeid in June, which fell in July as they responded to Sudanese military actions elsewhere. The situation remains precarious as the camps swell and security deteriorates.