With rival nations arming both sides, is Sudan's devastating civil war becoming an unwinnable proxy conflict?
As international aid fails, can local community kitchens prevent the world's worst famine in a city under siege?
Under Siege: El-Obeid and the Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan’s Fourth Year of Civil War
Overview
In early 2026, El-Obeid became a critical flashpoint as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) surrounded the city, prompting the Sudanese air force to escalate air strikes to disrupt RSF advances. This led to a daily reality dominated by drone warfare, with drones playing a key role in reconnaissance and targeted attacks. The intensified conflict caused severe hardship for civilians, driving mass displacement and making life under siege increasingly difficult. The situation in El-Obeid highlights how shifting military tactics and persistent fighting have deepened the humanitarian crisis and reshaped the dynamics of Sudan’s ongoing civil war.