UN OCHA Warns El Obeid Encirclement Deepens Needs as West Darfur Displacement Tops 18,000

UN OCHA warned on August 10, 2026 that ongoing conflict, mass displacement, and funding shortfalls continue to deepen humanitarian needs across Sudan and called on all parties to protect civilians and facilitate rapid, safe, unhindered humanitarian access. OCHA said RSF forces have encircled El Obeid, North Kordofan's capital, with drone attacks continuing against the city even as civilians flee there seeking safety; humanitarian partners delivered 2 million liters of drinking water to roughly 133,000 people in the city. In West Darfur, fighting displaced some 18,000 people from more than 20 villages in the preceding week alone, with most fleeing across the border into Chad. In Central Darfur, funding shortfalls forced the closure of three health facilities, leaving roughly 75,000 displaced people without adequate access to essential health services. Nationally, more than 30 million people need humanitarian assistance and over 9 million remain displaced within Sudan. Sudan's $3 billion 2026 humanitarian appeal is only 40% funded, with $1.2 billion received so far this year.