France, Nov. 6 -- Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces are battling the army for control of North Kordofan, opening a dangerous new phase in a war that began in April 2023 and has caused what the United Nations has called "the world's worst crisis".

After capturing the strategic town of Bara around 10 days ago, theRapid Support Forces (RSF) are now besieging El-Obeid, the state capital. At least 40 people were killed there on Tuesday, according to the UN.

Residents fear a repeat of atrocities seen in other towns recently seized by the paramilitaries.

The fall of El-Fasher, capital of neighbouring North Darfur, last week has emboldened the RSF to expand their control beyond Darfur into Kordofan. The violence in El-Fasher also overs...