Over 5,500 Children Displaced by Fighting in Sudan’s el-Obeid, Charity Says

The humanitarian disaster unfolding in Sudan’s el-Obeid is a stark reminder of the devastating toll exacted by the ongoing civil war. Save the Children estimates that more than 5,500 children have been displaced from their homes in and around this besieged city.

The siege-like situation in el-Obeid is not just a result of the brutal fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. The escalating drone attacks, which have destroyed civilian infrastructure, have also contributed to severe shortages of fuel and water. Local resident Emad shared his harrowing experience with Save the Children: “Throughout June, the situation was extremely challenging – drones rained heavily in and around the city… About 11 fuel stations were hit, along with fuel tankers, and even water tankers.”

The psychological toll on children is particularly alarming. Save the Children reports that many have witnessed violence, lost loved ones, or been forced to flee multiple times in the past three years. Francesco Lanino, the charity’s deputy country director for Sudan, highlighted the gravity of this issue: “For children, displacement is far more than the loss of a home… It often means losing access to school, healthcare, clean water and the support networks that help them feel safe and protected.”

The recent takeover of el-Fasher by RSF fighters in October 2023 has raised concerns that el-Obeid could suffer a similar fate. The UN Human Rights Council has condemned the RSF’s escalating attacks on el-Obeid, passing a motion to condemn their actions.

The war in Sudan has entered its fourth year, leaving thousands dead and 4.4 million displaced. Efforts to broker a ceasefire or negotiate a peace process have been met with little success. Regional and international actors have been accused of exacerbating the conflict rather than resolving it. The recent failure of an American-led effort to begin a peace process highlights the complexity of this crisis.

The el-Obeid disaster is not just a humanitarian crisis; it’s also a stark reminder of the world’s collective failure to address ongoing conflicts in Africa. As the situation continues to deteriorate, international leaders must take concrete steps to pressure warring parties towards a ceasefire and negotiate a lasting peace agreement that addresses the root causes of this conflict.

The fate of el-Obeid’s children serves as a dire warning: if we fail to act decisively now, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan will only escalate. The world has witnessed countless examples of civilians paying the price for wars fought on their behalf; it is time to learn from these mistakes and demand more effective action from those who can make a difference.