Between Drones and Sexual Violence: The Road to Water Has Become a Trap for Women in Besieged El-Obeid

Women and girls in El-Obeid, Sudan, are forced to collect water in a city under siege, exposed to drone attacks during the day and sexual violence after dark. According to UN Women, cuts in aid budgets are worsening their situation: two-thirds of the organizations surveyed in the country reported that safe spaces and services for survivors of violence have been closed or significantly reduced.

"These women and girls suffer from harassment, rape, and other forms of sexual violence, all while trying to obtain water — one of the most basic necessities for life and human rights," said Anna Mutavati, UN Women Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, according to a Reuters report.

The Crisis Background

El-Obeid is the capital of North Kordofan state, home to about 500,000 people. According to the UN, about 70% of the city's residents are women and children. The city has been under siege for 18 months and suffers from a severe shortage of clean water. Citizens face daily drone attacks and limited access to food and health services. The fighting is part of the ongoing war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned that a human rights catastrophe is unfolding in the city. According to him, without a change in the situation, the city could experience atrocities similar to those that occurred last year in El-Fasher in North Darfur.

Dangers in El-Obeid

Drone attacks on water sources during the day endanger residents trying to obtain drinking water. Consequently, many women and girls are forced to go out to collect water after dark. At night, they are exposed to harassment, rape, and other forms of sexual violence. According to UN Women, there is no safe time for them to go out and collect water, and the lack of support services and safe spaces makes it difficult for survivors to receive necessary treatment.