The Sudan conflict continues to devastate the population, as more civilians face hunger, displacement, and despair each month. With no resolution in sight, both military factions persist in fighting for control, while humanitarian access becomes increasingly restricted.
Army Claims Victory in Khartoum—Briefly
In March, the Sudan Armed Forces announced the recapture of central Khartoum, sharing images of Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan walking through the shattered remains of the Republican Palace. The palace had been under Rapid Support Forces (RSF) control since the onset of the war in April 2023.
Despite fresh support and weapons from Egypt, Turkey, Iran, and Qatar, the army’s momentary success quickly stalled. RSF forces responded with renewed aggression, most notably through a drone strike on Port Sudan—the interim capital and primary humanitarian gateway.
Drone Strike Escalates International Tensions
The Port Sudan drone attack shocked both Sudanese civilians and international observers. The army accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of supplying the long-range drones used in the attack. Though the UAE denied involvement, there have been persistent reports linking it to RSF support throughout the 27-month conflict.
The RSF, under Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo—widely known as “Hemedti”—has continued to wage war in both urban and rural regions, extending its offensive to new territories.
RSF Expands South With New Rebel Alliance
Hemedti has now formed a strategic alliance with Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, the commander of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-North (SPLA-N), which dominates the Nuba Mountains region near South Sudan. This tactical partnership could open new supply routes to Ethiopia, strengthening RSF positions in the south.
The army, already stretched thin defending Khartoum and Port Sudan, may struggle to respond effectively to this southward expansion. Observers fear that Ethiopia’s unstable border region may become a critical lifeline for the RSF if the alliance holds.
El-Fasher Under Siege
Meanwhile, in North Darfur, the RSF has surrounded el-Fasher, a stronghold of anti-RSF sentiment and the last Darfurian city not yet under paramilitary control. It is defended by the Joint Forces, an alliance of Darfurian former rebels now working with the army.
These Joint Forces are primarily composed of fighters from the Zaghawa ethnic group, historical adversaries of the RSF’s Arab-dominated ranks. The ethnic dimension of the war continues to fuel atrocities, reprisals, and mass civilian displacement in western Sudan.
Sudanese People Bear the Brunt
While generals posture and militias maneuver, the real losers remain the Sudanese people. Every new offensive brings a fresh humanitarian catastrophe. According to the United Nations, over 10 million Sudanese are now displaced, with famine looming in multiple regions due to access blockades and aid bottlenecks.
The humanitarian cost of the Sudan conflict continues to escalate as international mediators struggle to bring both parties to the negotiating table. Peace talks remain stalled, and with external backers fueling both sides, a lasting ceasefire appears elusive.
For deeper regional context, read about Russia’s presence in Africa, the ICJ’s dismissal of Sudan’s genocide case against UAE, how the UN readies its vote on South Sudan’s arms embargo, or the M23’s push toward a breakaway Kivu republic.