Security Breakdown Casts a Shadow Over Al-Nuhud, Terrifying Its Residents

The city of Al-Nuhud, the largest in West Kordofan, is witnessing a severe security breakdown, with widespread looting and robbery targeting the remaining residents and traders. The situation has triggered a new wave of displacement amid worsening security and living conditions.

For the seventh consecutive day, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — which have controlled the city for several months — continue to keep the main market closed.

Activists circulated a recent video showing Al-Nuhud — once the commercial capital of West Kordofan and the largest hub for crop trading — transformed into a ghost town, with deserted streets and shuttered shops, as most of its inhabitants have fled. Many of its commercial and service centers have been destroyed.

The RSF seized control of Al-Nuhud on May 2, taking advantage of the army’s withdrawal — first toward Al-Khuwei, and later to El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan.