Security Breakdown Casts a Shadow Over El-Obeid and Terrifies Its Residents

The city of El-Obeid, capital of North Kordofan State, is currently experiencing a state of lawlessness, with residents reporting hearing gunfire throughout the night, alongside a surge in armed robberies.

According to eyewitnesses, armed groups have become accustomed to intercepting citizens on the streets at night, robbing them of their belongings at gunpoint.

They noted that several incidents have targeted unarmed civilians in residential neighborhoods, and that these crimes are being carried out by armed individuals and are not limited to any specific group.

Activists say that “most of these incidents are driven by the pursuit of money. These gangs brandish firearms as soon as they stop a victim, particularly in dark streets, causing fear and panic among residents.”

The Sudanese Armed Forces have controlled El-Obeid since the outbreak of the war. Despite attacks launched by the Rapid Support Forces over the past two years, the army managed to partially lift the siege on the city at the end of February.