El-Obeid faces escalating drone attacks and humanitarian crisis in Sudan conflict
via The Namibian7 min read
The city of el-Obeid, capital of North Kordofan state, is experiencing a surge in drone attacks amid Sudan's civil war between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces RSF. A university student, Sarah, described surviving a drone strike at a fuel station, sustaining shrapnel injuries. The city, under army control, has one of central Sudan's largest military bases, yet 27 drone strikes hit in June, the highest monthly total since the conflict began, according to Acled. UN human rights chief Volker Turk stated that 45 people were killed and 41 injured in 15 drone strikes between June 6 and 28. Turk warned of an unfolding human rights catastrophe, citing summary executions, abductions, torture, and sexual violence along escape routes. Nathaniel Raymond, executive director of Yale University鈥檚 Humanitarian Research Lab, highlighted el-Obeid's strategic importance, as controlling it means controlling the road to Khartoum and Omdurman. A local doctor reported hospitals struggling with casualties, including a seven-month-old baby who died after an amputation. Amnesty International secretary-general Agn猫s Callamard cautioned that el-Obeid could face violence similar to el-Fasher, where over 6,000 people were killed in three days. The RSF denies accusations of targeting non-Arab groups and stated it would ensure the protection of el-Obeid residents. Raymond noted that el-Obeid does not currently exhibit the same ethnic dynamics as el-Fasher. Acled's Nohad Eltayeb said the RS
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadThe World Cup has reached the quarter-final stage with eight teams remaining, all set to compete in the United States. France, considered favorites, will face Morocco in Boston. France has advanced through the group stage and defeated Sweden and Paraguay, showcasing a strong attack. Morocco, unbeaten, overcame the Netherlands on penalties and Canada 3-0, seeking revenge after losing to France in the semi-finals four years ago. Spain, having achieved six consecutive World Cup clean sheets, will play Belgium in Los Angeles. Spain's efficient play includes Mikel Oyarzabal, who has scored four goals. Belgium enters after a 4-1 win against the United States and a 3-2 comeback victory against Senegal. Norway will challenge England in Miami. England, among the tournament favorites, saw captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham score 10 of their 11 goals, including three in a 3-2 win against Mexico. Norway's Erling Haaland has scored seven goals and will be a key threat. Argentina, the defending champions, will meet Switzerland in Kansas City. Argentina survived scares against Cape Verde and Egypt, with Lionel Messi playing a central role. Switzerland, reaching the last eight for the first time since 1954, beat Colombia on penalties.
The Namibia Football Association NFA is awaiting guidance from the Confederation of African Football CAF regarding Unam FC's request to compete in the 2026 CAF Confederation Cup. This follows CAF's extension of the club licensing deadline from June 30 to July 25, potentially allowing Unam FC, winners of the NFA Cup, to complete the necessary licensing process. NFA general secretary Mabos Vries confirmed receiving Unam FC's request. Namibia's two CAF club competition slots were provisionally allocated before the NFA Cup final, with African Stars nominated for the league champion slot. The NFA had nominated the league runners-up for the Confederation Cup to secure the second continental slot, as the NFA Cup final concluded on June 30. Following Unam FC's victory and CAF's deadline extension, the club formally requested consideration for the Confederation Cup. The NFA has since asked CAF for clarification on whether the extension permits new nominations or only applies to clubs already in the licensing process. Vries stated that the decision rests with CAF, and the NFA has sent a follow-up letter due to the urgency. If approved, Unam FC would still need to meet CAF's licensing requirements, including governance, infrastructure, legal, and administrative criteria. Football supporters await CAF's response.
Chinese businesswoman Stina Wu has been appointed special economic advisor to Eunice Iipinge, the president of the Pan African Women鈥檚 Organisation Pawo. Iipinge confirmed the appointment, citing Wu's distinguished leadership, contributions to business development, investment promotion, and entrepreneurship, as well as her commitment to women's economic empowerment in Namibia and across Africa. Iipinge stated that Wu's experience in building strategic partnerships, attracting international investment, supporting enterprise development, and promoting inclusive economic growth will strengthen Pawo鈥檚 programs aimed at creating sustainable economic opportunities for African women. Wu expressed her honor in accepting the role, describing it as a personal milestone and a call to greater service, pledging to promote women鈥檚 economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, investment, innovation, and sustainable development throughout Africa.