The Sudanese army has successfully broken a nearly two-year-long siege imposed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the strategic southern state capital of el-Obeid. This major breakthrough occurred shortly after the RSF signed a political charter in Nairobi, Kenya, aimed at establishing a breakaway government in areas under their control. The conflict between the RSF and the army, which began in April 2023, has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people and displaced millions. The country is now divided, with the army controlling the north and east, while the RSF holds significant areas in the west and parts of the south. The capital of North Kordofan state, el-Obeid, serves as a crucial link between Khartoum and Darfur. Sudanese soldiers celebrated as they marched into the city, with the military confirming the destruction of RSF units. Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim described this development as a significant step towards lifting the RSF’s siege on el-Fasher and delivering humanitarian aid. Civil society activist Dallia Abdlemoniem emphasized the importance of the army’s progress towards the west, where the RSF is primarily based. Both the army and RSF have faced accusations of committing atrocities, with their leaders facing sanctions from the US. Additionally, the RSF has been accused of genocide in Darfur. In response to Kenya’s involvement in hosting the RSF to form a parallel government, Sudan’s Foreign Minister Ali Youssef stated that his country would not accept any recognition of such a government. Kenya’s foreign ministry denied any ulterior motives behind their actions, asserting that they were providing a non-partisan platform for conflict parties.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8ve60r53yo