RSF militia controls most of Darfur as fighting escalates in Sudan

After El Fasher fell to the RSF militia in Sudan, thousands of civilians have reportedly been killed. The conflict, which escalated in 2023, has seen significant territorial changes, particularly in the Darfur region.

Prior to the outbreak of war, Sudan was divided between the military junta, consisting of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and various neutral factions, including the Joint Darfur Forces, Sudan Liberation Army in Darfur, and the Sudan People"s Liberation Army North in the Nuba Mountains of Kordofan.

The main fighting began in April 2023, following a coup attempt. The RSF gained control of the Darfur region and parts of Khartoum, capturing the Meroe airbase along with Egyptian and Sudanese pilots. Although the SAF later liberated Meroe, fighting continued across the country. Notably, El Geneina fell, resulting in the slaughter of approximately 15,000 Massalit people by the RSF, while battles intensified in Khartoum.

By November 2023, the RSF had taken control of most Darfur garrisons, including Nyala, Kas, Zalingei, Ed Daein, and Adiela. El Fasher remained under the protection of Joint Forces. The Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM-A) of Minnawi allied with the SAF in North Darfur, while the RSF seized control of southern Khartoum.

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In December 2023, the RSF shifted its focus to Wad Madani in the Gezira state and continued its offensive in West Kordofan. By May 2024, most Joint Forces of Darfur had joined the SAF, as the RSF advanced towards Sennar and the oilfields of Kordofan. A significant breakthrough occurred in June 2024 when the RSF bypassed Sennar and captured Singa, reaching the borders with South Sudan and Ethiopia.

In August 2024, the SAF managed to reopen the Kosti-Sennar road, cutting off Singa and reclaiming Jebel Moya. The conflict escalated in September, with the RSF seeking supply routes to Libya, while the SAF launched a counter-offensive in Khartoum.

For more on the ongoing conflict, see