Control of a roughly 350-kilometre highway linking Khartoum, Omdurman and El-Obeid could alter the course of Sudan’s war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The road connects central Sudan with Kordofan, Darfur and the western border, making it vital for moving fuel, food, livestock, commercial goods and military equipment. Fighting between the SAF and RSF has continued since April 2023.

The Sudanese army has recently captured several towns near the highway, strengthening its position in North Kordofan. Conflict researcher Ali Mahmoud Ali said control of the route and the seizure of large RSF weapons and drone depots could consolidate army control there and open a route toward RSF bases in Darfur and West Kordofan. If the RSF cuts the road, El-Obeid could be isolated and army supplies disrupted.

Holding the route does not ensure safe passage, as RSF drone attacks remain a risk. More than 50 drone attacks were documented across Kordofan in June, including attacks targeting fuel facilities and power infrastructure. On 20 August, the army said it struck an arms convoy for the RSF in northeastern Chad, prompting concern from the United States and African Union.