Displaced Families Resist Return To Recaptured North Kordofan Towns

El Obeid, August 8, 2026 - Displaced Sudanese in El Obeid are refusing to return to towns recently recaptured by the army in North Kordofan, citing destroyed infrastructure and the risk of renewed attacks by the Rapid Support Forces. The army's latest offensive secured parts of the strategic export road linking Khartoum to El Obeid and brought several settlements under military control, including Um Sayala, Jabrat al-Sheikh, Um Qirfa, Jurayjakh and Bara.

Control of Bara has changed hands repeatedly since the war began in April 2023, leaving residents exposed to reprisals and further displacement. Families in camps around El Obeid say they will wait until surrounding localities are cleared. RSF fighters pushed out of Bara have retreated toward West Bara, including El Mazroob and Um Badr, and continue to hold nearby Sodari.

Military assessments indicate that RSF units in the area may lack the heavy armor and manpower for a major counteroffensive, but retain mobile forces capable of localized strikes, including drone attacks. Return plans are also constrained by severe damage to basic services.

Water infrastructure in Bara, which serves both local communities and El Obeid, has been badly damaged, while authorities say bodies must be cleared and decontamination work completed before civilians can safely resettle. State humanitarian officials are prioritizing clean water, health facilities and food assistance for six to 12 months, underscoring the economic cost of the conflict.

The delayed return of farmers during the rainy season could further weaken local food production and prolong aid dependence in a key transport and agricultural corridor.