In a recent development, Sudan's military successfully broke a more than yearlong siege on the city of Obeid, a crucial area in the south-central region. This victory has restored access to strategic locations and strengthened supply routes in the country's nearly two-year war against a notorious paramilitary group.
The military also managed to oust the Rapid Support Forces from their last stronghold in the White Nile province, marking another setback for the group. The conflict in Sudan escalated in April last year, leading to widespread violence and atrocities, including mass rape and ethnically motivated killings.
Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Nabil Abdullah announced that troops in the al-Sayyad axis successfully reopened the road to Obeid, breaking the RSF siege on the city. Obeid, the provincial capital of North Kordofan province, is a significant commercial and transportation hub with a sprawling airbase and the military's 5th Infantry Division.
Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim praised the military's progress in Obeid, highlighting it as a crucial step towards lifting the siege on el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur province, and facilitating humanitarian aid delivery to the Kordofan area.
Furthermore, the military's recent victories, including the capture of strategic areas and the recapture of the country's largest oil refinery, have shifted the balance of power in the conflict. Despite international mediation efforts and pressure tactics, the conflict shows no signs of a peaceful resolution.
Cholera Outbreak in White Nile Province
Meanwhile, health authorities in White Nile province reported a cholera outbreak in Rabak, the provincial capital. The disease initially surfaced in Kosti, another city in the province, before spreading to Rabak. The outbreak has resulted in 68 fatalities and over 1,860 confirmed cases in the two cities.
An anti-cholera vaccination campaign has been launched in Kosti and Rabak, with 67% of the targeted population already reached in the past two days. The outbreak was attributed to contaminated drinking water following an attack on Kosti's water supply facility by the RSF.
Cholera, a highly contagious disease transmitted through contaminated food or water, causes severe dehydration and can be fatal if left untreated. Sudan has experienced cholera outbreaks in the past, with a significant number of casualties reported last year, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
