Fighting spreads to North Kordofan as Sudan’s war turns deadlier

People are transported in the back of a truck about 30 kilometres east of El-Obeid, in Sudan’s North Kordofan region. AFP - ASHRAF SHAZLY

Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces are battling the army for control of North Kordofan, opening a dangerous new phase in a war that began in April 2023 and has caused what the United Nations has called “the world’s worst crisis”.

After capturing the strategic town of Bara around 10 days ago, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are now besieging El-Obeid, the state capital. At least 40 people were killed there on Tuesday, according to the UN.