Conditions on the ground in El Obeid and its two peripheral camps are worsening rapidly and remain critical, local sources report, as people continue fleeing surrounding rural areas to escape the ongoing conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia and the Sudanese Armed Forces. Data from the United Nations shows that upwards of 15,000 families have checked in since mid-July, adding to a previous influx of more than 200,000 individuals recorded during the opening six months of the year according to government figures highlighted by Save the Children.
Overcrowding and Trauma Among New Arrivals in El Obeid
The influx of displaced people has severely strained the North Kordofan provincial capital, which was home to around half a million people before the war broke out more than three years ago. “The situation is very harsh and is deteriorating as El Obeid is receiving IDPs [internally displaced people] on a daily basis … The city is shockingly overcrowded,” said Maryam, a humanitarian volunteer whose name has been changed for her safety.
According to Maryam, the new arrivals came on foot, carrying almost nothing. “They also suffer from a shortage of food and they definitely arrive traumatised,” she said. Paul Byars, who serves as the Danish Refugee Council’s Sudan country director and visited El Obeid last week, pointed out the consistent, day-to-day magnitude of this population movement. “During my visit, I saw 450 arrivals coming from the surrounding villages just that morning,” Byars said, adding that authorities’ estimates are correct that 85% of them are women and children while most men stay behind because this is the only time for farming.
Did you know? Civil war erupted in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, about 250 miles north-east of El Obeid, on 15 April 2023. Since then, about 11.3 million people have been displaced nationwide, representing more than a fifth of the population.
Camp Conditions and Severe Infrastructure Strain
While many new arrivals have been absorbed into the city, tens of thousands live in two main tented camps on the outskirts. Satellite data analysis by the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab showed that 800 new tents appeared in one of the camps between 4 and 25 August. Médecins Sans Frontières emergency coordinator Esperanza Santos described sanitation conditions in these camps as very poor. According to Santos, the ratio of latrines per person is impossible, with more than 100 people sharing a single latrine, leading to open defecation.
Infrastructure damage compounds the crisis. Power and water systems in El Obeid still have not fully recovered from RSF drone strikes in June. “The main problem is the big [water] source that is in the north of the city has been severely damaged and it has not been repaired,” Santos said. City facilities and camps alike rely on water trucking and it is not enough.
Drone Warfare and Surging Food Prices
Security risks remain high due to aerial attacks. Acled conflict monitor Nohad Eltayeb noted that drones now account for half of all violent incidents in Sudan’s civil war, up from 4% at the start of the conflict. In El Obeid, volunteers have noticed “double-tap” strikes where a second drone follows the first, hitting rescuers at the scene. Meanwhile, supply chain disruptions and delivery truck threats have caused food prices to surge. World Food Programme data shows a litre of groundnut oil in North Kordofan cost 17,000 Sudanese pounds in July, up from 7,700 a year ago, while wheat flour and meat prices have more than doubled over the last year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people have been displaced in Sudan since the conflict began?
About 11.3 million people have been displaced across Sudan since the war began.
Why are civilians fleeing to El Obeid?
Civilians are fleeing fighting, drone strikes, and violence in surrounding districts, pushing people to the city.
What are the primary challenges facing IDP camps around El Obeid?
Camps face severe overcrowding, shortages of food, and critically inadequate sanitation facilities, including a ratio of more than 100 people for a latrine leading to open defecation.
Call to Action: Stay informed on the evolving humanitarian situation in Sudan by exploring our latest reporting, and subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates.