Intensifying Conflict in Sudan’s Kordofan Region: Territorial Struggles and Humanitarian Impact
The Kordofan region in Sudan has witnessed escalated fighting recently, as the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) vie for control of strategic areas. The renewed clashes underscore the fragile stability in the region, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis with thousands displaced.
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Strategic Battlefields
With its strategic significance, North Kordofan has become a focal point. The army maintains a firm hold on el-Obeid, the state capital, while RSF forces push with airstrikes aimed at securing key supply routes. Controlling towns such as Um Rawaba and al-Rahd allows the army to fortify its position, safeguarding vital links to other parts of Sudan.
Bara, a town of strategic importance, saw RSF control on October 25, heightening the stakes. It serves as a crucial link that could potentially allow RSF forces to advance toward North Darfur. Meanwhile, the army recaptured Kazgeil and Umm Dam Haj Ahmed in recent days, crucial for expanding control toward East Darfur.
South Kordofan and the SPLM Alliance
In South Kordofan, heavy fighting persists with no significant shift in control. However, the presence of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM), aligned with RSF under the “Sudan Founding Alliance,” adds complexity. The RSF’s siege on Dilling aims to hinder army moves towards West Kordofan, preventing further military advances into East Darfur.
Artillery shelling in Dilling has resulted in civilian casualties, reflecting the intense battles affecting the state’s inhabitants. The alliance between RSF and SPLM reinforces their strategic objectives, laying a precarious future for the region.
The Volatile West Kordofan
Babnousa, an economy-critical town, has seen severe clashes recently. Encircled by RSF and SPLM forces, the town is pivotal due to its railway station. The RSF’s aspirations to take Babnousa are met with firm resistance from the army, emphasizing “fighting until victory.”
Video releases by the RSF indicate reinforcement efforts, complicating the army’s attempts to maintain control amid relentless artillery and drone attacks. The strategic importance of Babnousa makes it a focal point in the ongoing conflict.
Humanitarian Concerns
The impact on civilians is alarming, with nearly 40,000 people displaced from key towns in North Kordofan since late October, according to the International Organization of Migration. The ongoing violence has amplified the existing humanitarian crisis, adding to the staggering toll of 40,000 deaths and 12 million displacements since the conflict began in April 2023.
The continuing hostilities vividly illustrate the deep-seated tensions within Sudan, as both sides remain relentless in their pursuit of territorial supremacy. The civilians, meanwhile, bear the brunt of these tactical maneuvers, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention and aid.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
