The New Normal for El Obeid: A City at War’s Mercy

The humanitarian crisis unfolding in El Obeid, Sudan, serves as a stark reminder that the impact of war can be just as devastating even in cities far from the capital’s chaos. For over three years, civilians have fled to this once-thriving city, now home to more than 200,000 internally displaced people.

The influx has pushed El Obeid to breaking point, with dire consequences for those caught in the crossfire. Over 15,000 families arrived in mid-July alone, contributing to a staggering overcrowding problem. In one main camp, 800 new tents appeared between August 4 and 25, straining the city’s already fragile infrastructure.

The humanitarian toll is evident in the trauma, hunger, and fear that permeate the city. Volunteers like Maryam describe a city in shock, with conditions deteriorating as El Obeid receives internally displaced persons on a daily basis. “The situation is very harsh,” she said, “and is deteriorating as we struggle to cope with the influx of new arrivals.” The reliance on targeted drone strikes has become more volatile since the US-Iran conflict disrupted supply lines in February.

According to Nohad Eltayeb’s analysis of conflict data, drones now account for half of all violent incidents, up from 4% at the start of the war. This shift towards targeted strikes has left civilians caught in the middle, with “double-tap” attacks putting rescuers at risk of being hit by a second drone.

The economic consequences are equally dire. Food prices have skyrocketed, with a litre of groundnut oil costing £21 in July – a 140% increase from last year. Delivery trucks are under threat, and water shortages are endemic, with Médecins Sans Frontières’ Esperanza Santos describing the situation as “very bad.” Sanitation conditions in the camps are equally dire, with open defecation rampant.

Aid agencies have been valiant but limited by resources and access. Local volunteers like Maryam demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. However, even their efforts cannot mask the fact that El Obeid is now a city at war’s mercy – its residents caught in a cycle of displacement, trauma, and economic hardship.

The conflict has become a defining feature of Sudan’s landscape, with drones dominating the skies. International intervention may be necessary to break the stalemate, but it remains uncertain whether aid efforts will be enough to stem the humanitarian crisis. As policymakers deliberate, it is crucial that they recognize the long-term implications of this crisis – for the city, its people, and the nation as a whole.

The world watches Sudan with growing concern, but practical action is still needed. Will targeted sanctions against those responsible for the humanitarian crisis be implemented? Or will aid efforts continue to be hampered by bureaucratic red tape and competing interests?

One thing is certain: El Obeid’s fate remains inextricably linked to the conflict’s trajectory. As diplomats and policymakers deliberate, it is the civilians who bear the brunt of war’s consequences. Their stories are a stark reminder that even when the fighting stops, the real work begins – rebuilding this city, its people, and their lives.