El Obeid, Sudan — In the heart of North Kordofan, the city of El Obeid, home to approximately 500,000 people, has been thrust into the eye of a humanitarian storm.
A recent field visit by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams has brought to light the harrowing impact of drone strikes on the city’s residents.
The frontline of the conflict, less than 40 kilometers away, has seen a surge in drone strikes in recent weeks, targeting both El Obeid and the primary road leading to the city. These attacks have placed immense pressure on already strained essential services, driving up transport costs and severely limiting access to safe drinking water and healthcare. El Obeid, with its population doubled by displaced civilians, has become a refuge for around 100,000 individuals seeking shelter from the violence.
The city’s accessibility is further compromised by its remote location, which makes it one of the least accessible regions for humanitarian organizations. Since June, the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO) has documented at least 141 drone strikes in North Kordofan, with over half occurring since June. These strikes have not been confined to military targets, often hitting civilian areas, schools, markets, and fuel stations, leading to widespread disruption and fear among the population.
The cost of fuel has skyrocketed, with prices reaching nearly 15 USD per litre, and the scarcity of functioning fuel stations has made it challenging for people to afford the transport necessary to access essential services.
The water situation is equally dire, with many residents queuing for hours to collect water, and the prices of barrels soaring. MSF’s Emergency Coordinator, Liesbeth AELBRECHT, has expressed concerns over the impact of the attacks on healthcare services. Hospitals, operating without reliable backup power, are suffering from power rationing and are at risk of closing life-saving services.
Medicines remain scarce and expensive, and the insecurity and transport costs associated with seeking care often result in patients arriving in a more severe condition.
The situation is compounded by the onset of the rainy season, which threatens to worsen conditions and increase the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera. Dozens of suspected cholera cases have already been reported in the region, raising serious concerns for the health of the population.
The attacks have also made humanitarian operations increasingly difficult, with insecurity limiting the ability of aid teams to safely access the affected areas. Despite regular bus movements and a passable road, many people are unable or too afraid to leave El Obeid, as the main road out of the city is frequently targeted by drones.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the urgency for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Sudan becomes more apparent than ever.
The international community must act to protect the civilian population and bring an end to the violence that has ravaged the lives of so many innocent Sudanese.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Médecins Sans Frontières
