Rapid Support Forces (RSF) declared on Thursday that they had achieved the “complete liberation” of the El-Obeid axis. The group characterized the advance as a decisive victory led by “valiant heroes,” marking a potential shift in the momentum of a conflict that has ravaged the nation since 2023.
El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, occupies a vital strategic position. It serves as a primary conduit connecting central Sudan to the western Darfur regions.
According to RSF statements, the group has secured key positions around the city, building upon recent territorial gains in the Heglig oil fields and Babanusa. This push follows the RSF’s October capture of El Fasher, signaling an aggressive pivot toward the country’s central territories.
Despite the RSF’s claims of total control, the situation on the ground remains shaky. The fall of El-Obeid could fundamentally alter the trajectory of the war, potentially opening a direct path toward Khartoum or leading to the further fragmentation of the Sudanese state.
While international observers warn of escalating risks and urge immediate intervention, the prospects for a negotiated peace remain dim amid the ongoing violence in Kordofan.
