A major surge in fighting in Sudan has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with hundreds killed in aerial bombings and revenge attacks over the past week. The conflict, which is Africa’s largest war, has intensified following the end of the seasonal rains.
Territory has shifted hands, with a prominent commander switching sides, while retreating fighters have been reported to sexually assault, kidnap, and kill villagers in contested areas, according to accounts from activists and social media.
A military cargo plane crashed in the western region of Darfur, reportedly with at least two Russian crew members aboard, underscoring the increasing involvement of foreign contractors in the conflict.
Sudan’s military, which has lost control of significant territories, appears to be regaining the upper hand against the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.), the paramilitary group it has been battling for the past 18 months. Both factions face war crimes allegations from the United States and human rights organizations, with the R.S.F. specifically accused of ethnic cleansing.
Experts note that the fighting season has restarted, with both sides eager to gain an early advantage. Diplomatic efforts to halt the violence have stalled, as neither side shows willingness to compromise or agree to a cease-fire. Calls for a United Nations mission to protect civilians are growing, although skepticism remains regarding the feasibility of such a deployment.
In recent developments, the army, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has recaptured territory in the El Gezira and Sennar regions, which were previously taken by paramilitary forces. This shift was aided by the defection of a local militia leader who had been allied with the R.S.F., bolstering the military's position.
Retaliatory attacks by the R.S.F. have resulted in civilian deaths, with reports indicating at least 300 civilians killed in Tambul village. Local activists reported further violence, including looting and sexual assaults, prompting families to flee with minimal belongings.
Clashes also continued in Khartoum, where shelling resulted in additional casualties. Fighting is reported to be ongoing in Darfur, with numerous fatalities occurring in attacks on displacement camps and other vulnerable areas.
The recent plane crash, which involved a Sudanese military aircraft, raised concerns regarding the role of foreign contractors in the conflict. The plane is believed to have been involved in aerial bombardments targeting the R.S.F., with documentation indicating connections to a company previously supplying the paramilitary group.
In light of these developments, calls for international intervention to protect civilians have intensified, highlighting the complex, multi-regional nature of the conflict, which experts assert cannot be resolved locally.