RSF Claims Control Over Key Army Base in Conflict-Ridden Sudan

Sudan’s paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has announced the capture of the army headquarters in El Fasher, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict that has ravaged the nation. This facility was the last major stronghold of the Sudanese army in the Darfur region. Videos shared by the RSF on Sunday depicted jubilant soldiers celebrating in front of signs identifying the army’s Sixth Infantry base. While Reuters verified the location, the timing of the capture remains unconfirmed. The Sudanese army has yet to release an official statement regarding its current status in the region.

The capture of El Fasher represents a significant strategic victory for the RSF. It could potentially accelerate the fragmentation of Sudan, allowing the RSF to consolidate its control over the extensive Darfur region. This area has been claimed by the RSF as a base for a parallel government established earlier this summer. The RSF’s advance follows the recent acquisition of the city of Bara in North Kordofan, a crucial area that links Darfur with the Sudanese capital and the army-controlled eastern regions of the country.

Ongoing Siege and Humanitarian Crisis

The RSF has besieged El Fasher for the past 18 months, engaging in fierce combat against the Sudanese army and allied local fighters. The situation for civilians remains dire, with approximately 250,000 people trapped in the city facing severe food shortages and the threat of violence. Reports indicate that the RSF has employed drone and artillery strikes targeting civilian populations, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded in the region.

Activists have long expressed concerns that an RSF takeover could trigger ethnic revenge attacks, reminiscent of violence seen after the RSF’s earlier capture of the Zamzam camp for displaced individuals. Communication remains challenging, as residents of El Fasher rely on Starlink terminals for internet access due to a prolonged telecommunications blackout.

Last week, the RSF claimed it was facilitating the exit of civilians and surrendered fighters from the city. However, those who managed to escape reported incidents of robbery, kidnapping, sexual assault, and killings allegedly perpetrated by RSF soldiers. A video shared by a senior official in the RSF-led Tasis government showed soldiers claiming to protect a long convoy of men departing El Fasher, purportedly consisting mainly of soldiers. Reuters has not yet been able to confirm the authenticity of this footage or its date.

A recent United Nations-mandated mission has accused the RSF of committing multiple crimes against humanity during the siege of El Fasher. The Sudanese army has also faced allegations of war crimes amid the conflict, further complicating the humanitarian landscape.

International Response and Ongoing Conflict

The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF began in April 2023 following a breakdown in relations over plans for integrating their forces as part of a transition towards democracy. This ongoing struggle has resulted in the displacement of millions and has plunged half of Sudan into hunger, with widespread disease outbreaks complicating the situation further.

Over the weekend, diplomatic efforts gained momentum as the United States convened officials from the Emirati, Egyptian, and Saudi Arabian governments to discuss a potential peace plan. Meanwhile, Sudan’s foreign ministry announced that officials were engaged in bilateral talks in Washington. However, the army-led Sovereign Council denied claims that representatives from both factions were participating in indirect negotiations.

As the situation in Sudan continues to evolve, the humanitarian needs of the population remain urgent. The international community watches closely as the conflict unfolds, with many hoping for a resolution that can restore stability to the war-torn nation.