Renewed clashes erupted on Friday morning in Sudan, particularly in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, as army forces engaged with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Reports indicate that the army conducted airstrikes targeting RSF positions in Khartoum Bahri, resulting in significant casualties. This resurgence of violence follows some of the most intense confrontations witnessed in recent months, highlighting the ongoing conflict that has plagued Sudan since April 2023.
The Sudanese army claimed to have inflicted substantial losses on the RSF, seizing ten vehicles during the clashes. Meanwhile, the RSF reported retaliatory actions, including artillery shelling of army positions. The situation escalated with Darfur Governor Minni Minawi announcing that army forces successfully repelled an attack on El Fasher, while local sources indicated further clashes in the Al-Siyah area.
The conflict, which has left over 20,000 dead and nearly 10 million displaced, has drawn increasing international concern. The UN Security Council recently extended sanctions on Sudan for another year, underlining the urgent need for a resolution to prevent a worsening humanitarian crisis.
- The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces has roots in a power struggle that escalated into armed confrontation in April 2023. The RSF, originally formed from militias involved in the Darfur conflict, has been at odds with the national army, leading to widespread violence and instability. The humanitarian impact has been severe, with millions displaced and in dire need of assistance. International responses have included calls for a ceasefire and peace negotiations, but efforts have been hampered by the intensity of the fighting and the complex political landscape in Sudan. The situation remains fluid, with both sides showing no signs of backing down.
