NORTH KORDOFAN – The governor of Darfur and leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement, Minni Arko Minnawi, announced on Saturday that his forces, in coordination with allied armed movements, have regained control of Um Sumeima in North Kordofan. The announcement followed the release of video footage by members of the Joint Force showing their presence in the strategic area.
The move came just hours after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had claimed full control of Um Sumeima, sharing their own footage from the town earlier that same day, July 13. The contested area lies near El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State, and has become increasingly important as clashes between rival forces intensify across the region.
Um Sumeima’s significance stems from its location alone the main route into El-Obeid, which has seen growing military buildup. Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have recently pulled back into the city following RSF offensive, making control of surrounding towns like Um Sumeima a key part of the broader battle for territory.
Minawi’s forces are part of the Joint Force of the armed groups, a coalition of armed groups in Darfur that officially abandoned neutrality in late 2023 to fight alongside the SAF against the RSF. The alliance has since played a visible role in several fronts, particularly in Darfur and Kordofan.
Fighting across these regions has escalated sharply following the SAF’s recapture of the capital “Al-Khartoum” and Al-jazira State. In response, the RSF has shifted its focus toward the west and south, launching attacks across Kordofan and Darfur.
The rising violence has raised international concern. Last month, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned of rapidly deteriorating conditions in Darfur and Kordofan. He expressed deep alarm over the increasinging number of civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis gripping the region.
Turk called for an immediate end to hostilities and urged all parties to allow civilians safe passage out of conflict zones. He also appealed to international and regional powers to push for a political solution and ensure that all forces comply with international humanitarian law.
As clashes continue and control over key towns remains fluid, the battle for Sudan’s western and southern regions shows no signs of slowing. The conflict, now stretching into its third year, has displaced millions and devastated infrastructure across much of the country.
