Women and girls in El Obeid, Sudan, face a life-threatening choice every time they need water, United Nations News reported as of July 24, 2026. Conflict conditions have made basic water collection dangerous at every hour of the day or night.
Going out during daylight to fetch water risks a drone strike, according to United Nations News. Waiting until dark carries the risk of rape. The danger applies equally to women and girls.
El Obeid is a city in Sudan. United Nations News said access to water, a fundamental daily need, sits at the center of this impossible situation, with no safe window for collection remaining.