RSF pushes for ‘no safe options’ for thousands living in key Sudan city

Thousands of people who have flocked to the town of Il-Obeid in hopes of fleeing Sudan’s civil war are again under threat.

Clashes between the military’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the military have escalated in the North Kordofan region – a key target for both sides in the conflict, which could open a gateway to the disputed region.

Displaced people have flocked to El-Obeid, which is heavily guarded by the Sudanese army, despite ongoing attacks by security forces on the town. The UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) says it has become a key refuge for people fleeing violence in the area.

Satellite images show the main displacement camp has expanded significantly since March, with aid workers reporting dozens of new arrivals every day.

“Families have no safe options to protect themselves,” said Mohamed Rafat, IOM’s head of mission in Sudan. “Many have already been displaced and forced to leave their homes, livelihoods and support networks behind.”

The UN and G7 foreign ministers have now warned that the RSF is preparing to attack the city. The massacre at El-Fasher could be repeated.. There were thousands of people He was killed in mass murder In one of the worst attacks since the civil war began in 2023, SFA troops stormed the city last October after members of the Defense Forces had been defending it.

Fears of similar reprisals by El-Obeid have been mounting for weeks and verified footage now shows dozens of RSF soldiers stationed in armored trucks in Nyala, chanting “we will liberate” the town.