India, Jan. 29 -- Sudan's military announced it had lifted the siege of the southern city of Dilling, many of its residents had already endured weeks of starvation, untreated illness, and relentless shelling, an ordeal that underscored how Africa's deadliest wars continue largely beyond Western concern unless strategic interests are involved.

The army said the army declared the siege of Dilling broken after pushing back fighters from the Rapid Support Forces, the powerful paramilitary group locked in a grinding conflict with the state since 2023. Military statements spoke of reopened supply routes and reclaimed positions. Survivors, however, described a city hollowed out by hunger, fear, and abandonment.

For civilians, the announcement ...