Gambiaj.com – (NAIROBI, Kenya) – The Sudanese army has recaptured the strategic city of el-Obeid, breaking a nearly two-year siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), in what military officials are calling a major battlefield victory. The development comes just hours after the RSF signed a political charter in Nairobi to establish a parallel government in areas under its control, escalating tensions in the war-torn country.

The fall of El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, is the latest in a string of recent advances by the Sudanese army, which has also reclaimed parts of Khartoum from RSF control. El-Obeid is a vital crossroads linking the capital to Darfur, a region largely dominated by RSF forces.

As Sudanese soldiers marched into the city, residents took to the streets in celebration. Military spokesman Nabil Abdallah confirmed the army’s success, stating that RSF units had been decisively defeated. Sudan’s Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim hailed the victory as a “massive step” toward breaking the RSF’s hold over El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, and facilitating much-needed humanitarian aid into Kordofan.

Civil society activist Dallia Abdelmoniem described the recapture of El-Obeid as “huge” and “significant,” emphasizing that RSF forces had effectively trapped civilians for nearly two years. The humanitarian crisis in the city had reached dire levels, with food and medical supplies cut off. “Lifting the siege brings life back to the city,” said Ahmed Hussein, a trader in El-Obeid, in comments to AFP.

The war between Sudan’s military and the RSF erupted in April 2023, plunging the country into chaos. The conflict has split Sudan between the army-controlled north and east and RSF-held territories in the west and parts of the south. Both sides have been accused of committing grave atrocities against civilians, with RSF facing allegations of genocide in Darfur.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s hosting of the RSF leadership in Nairobi last week sparked diplomatic tensions, with Sudan’s military government recalling its ambassador from Kenya. Sudan’s Foreign Minister Ali Youssef declared that Khartoum would “not accept” any nation recognizing the RSF’s so-called parallel government. Kenya, however, defended its role, stating that its mediation efforts were “non-partisan.”

The battle for control of Sudan continues, with El-Obeid’s recapture signaling a shift in momentum. However, with both sides entrenched and the humanitarian crisis deepening, a political resolution remains elusive.