What's happened
As of early December 2025, Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have consolidated control over western Sudan, capturing Babnusa in West Kordofan after taking El-Fasher in Darfur last month. The RSF's advance intensifies the civil war against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), amid widespread atrocities, mass displacement of millions, and a worsening humanitarian crisis despite international ceasefire efforts.
What's behind the headline?
RSF's Strategic Gains Shift War Dynamics
The RSF's capture of Babnusa and El-Fasher marks a significant shift in control over western Sudan, granting the paramilitary group critical logistical and economic advantages. Babnusa serves as a vital transport hub linking Darfur to central Sudan, and its fall threatens to open a direct route toward Khartoum, the capital. This territorial gain not only consolidates RSF dominance in Darfur and West Kordofan but also challenges the SAF's ability to maintain strategic depth.
Humanitarian Catastrophe Deepens
The RSF's advances have been accompanied by widespread atrocities, including mass killings, sexual violence, and forced recruitment of children, as documented by Amnesty International and UN agencies. The fall of El-Fasher transformed the city into a "crime scene," with satellite imagery revealing mass graves. The humanitarian fallout is severe, with millions displaced internally and across borders, particularly into Chad, where resources are stretched thin.
International Mediation and Geopolitical Complexities
Despite a US-led "Quad" mediation effort proposing a ceasefire and transition to civilian rule, the SAF has rejected terms perceived as favoring the RSF, while the RSF has unilaterally declared a truce yet continued attacks. Accusations of external support, notably from the UAE to the RSF, complicate peace efforts and fuel the conflict. The EU's sanctions on RSF leaders underscore international condemnation but have yet to alter the conflict's trajectory.
Forecast and Implications
The RSF's momentum will likely continue, pressing toward key economic centers like el-Obeid and potentially threatening Khartoum. The SAF's overstretched forces and limited access to comparable weaponry weaken its position. Without a credible ceasefire and inclusive peace process, the conflict risks further escalation, deepening Sudan's humanitarian crisis and regional instability. The international community's failure to act decisively earlier has allowed atrocities to proliferate, and urgent coordinated intervention is needed to prevent further mass suffering.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera's detailed reporting highlights the RSF's capture of Babnusa and the ongoing clashes, noting the strategic importance of the city and the RSF's momentum in Kordofan. Their coverage also emphasizes the humanitarian toll, with reports of mass displacement and atrocities in Darfur and Kordofan. Amnesty International, cited by The New Arab and AP News, provides harrowing eyewitness accounts of war crimes committed by the RSF in El-Fasher, including mass executions and sexual violence, calling for accountability and condemning alleged UAE support for the RSF. The EU's sanctions on RSF deputy Abdelrahim Dagalo, reported by Arab News, reflect international efforts to pressure the paramilitary group. Meanwhile, All Africa presents the RSF's narrative, framing their advances as a campaign against extremist factions within the SAF and asserting their commitment to protecting civilians and humanitarian aid, though this contrasts with reports of ongoing violence. Sky News and Al Jazeera also report on the failure of ceasefire efforts, with the RSF accepting a truce proposal but continuing attacks, and the SAF rejecting terms seen as favorable to the RSF. Together, these sources provide a multifaceted view of a complex conflict marked by shifting frontlines, severe human rights abuses, and stalled peace efforts.
How we got here
Sudan's civil war began in April 2023 as a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has killed over 40,000 people and displaced nearly 12 million, creating the world's largest humanitarian crisis. The RSF, accused of war crimes and backed by some regional powers, has seized key territories including Darfur and parts of Kordofan, while international mediation efforts have so far failed to halt the fighting.
Go deeper
- What are the main causes of the Sudan civil war?
- How is the international community responding to the Sudan conflict?
- What is the humanitarian situation for displaced Sudanese civilians?
Common question
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What’s Causing the Escalation in Sudan’s Conflict?
The conflict in Sudan has intensified recently, with reports of violence, atrocities, and mass displacement. Many wonder what’s behind this escalation and what it means for civilians caught in the crossfire. Below, we explore the key questions about the current crisis, including the causes, the impact on civilians, and what international actions are underway.
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What is the UN investigating in Sudan?
The United Nations has launched a major investigation into recent atrocities in Sudan, particularly in the region of Darfur. With reports of mass killings, sexual violence, and systematic abuses, many are asking what exactly the UN is doing and why these investigations matter. Below, you'll find answers to common questions about the ongoing crisis and international response.
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What’s Happening in Sudan’s Darfur Right Now?
Sudan is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis marked by ongoing violence, mass displacement, and international concern. The recent takeover of El-Fasher by Sudan's Rapid Support Forces has intensified conflict in Darfur, leading to widespread atrocities. Many civilians are trapped amid the chaos, with reports of mass killings, sexual violence, and food shortages. This page explores the latest developments, international responses, and what it means for the people of Sudan.
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What Is Happening in El-Fasher, Sudan?
El-Fasher, a key city in Sudan's Darfur region, is currently at the center of a severe humanitarian crisis. Since the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) took control in late October 2025, reports of atrocities, mass displacement, and ongoing violence have surged. Many civilians remain trapped amid fighting and aid blockades, prompting urgent international concern. If you're wondering what exactly is unfolding in El-Fasher and why it matters, read on for the latest updates and answers to your key questions.
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How Are International Organizations Responding to Sudan's Crisis?
Sudan's ongoing conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with reports of atrocities and widespread displacement. International organizations are actively working to address the crisis, but many challenges remain. Curious about what aid is being sent, the prospects for peace, and how the world can help civilians trapped in Sudan? Below, we explore the key responses and ongoing efforts to support Sudan during this critical time.
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Current War Crimes in Sudan: What’s Happening in Darfur?
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, especially in Darfur, has led to serious war crimes committed by armed groups like the RSF. Recent reports from Amnesty International and the UN reveal mass executions, sexual violence, and hostage-taking, causing a humanitarian crisis. Many wonder who is responsible, what the international community is doing, and how civilians are affected. Below, we answer some of the most pressing questions about this crisis to keep you informed.
More on these topics
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The Rapid Support Forces are Sudanese paramilitary forces operated by the Sudanese Government. The RSF grew out of, and is primarily composed of, the Janjaweed militias which fought on behalf of the Sudanese government during the War in Darfur, killing an
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Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a country in North-East Africa. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southe
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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The Sudanese Armed Forces are the military forces of the Republic of the Sudan. During the 39-month transition to democracy that started in September 2019, the August 2019 Draft Constitutional Declaration defines the Supreme Commander of the Sudanese Arme
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Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman al-Burhan is a Sudanese politician and Sudanese Army general who is currently serving as Chairman of the Sovereignty Council of Sudan, the country's collective transitional head of state.
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Darfur is a region of western Sudan. Dār is an Arabic word meaning "home [of]" – the region was named Dardaju while ruled by the Daju, who migrated from Meroë c. 350 AD, and it was renamed Dartunjur when the Tunjur ruled the area.
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General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, generally referred to as Hemetti, Hemedti, Hemeti or Hemitte, is a Janjaweed from the Rizeigat tribe in Darfur, who was the Deputy head of the Transitional Military Council following the 2019 Sudanese coup d'état.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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North Darfur State (Arabic: ولاية شمال دارفور Wilāyat Šamāl Dārfūr; Shamal Darfor) is one of the wilayat or states of Sudan. It is one of the five states composing the Darfur region. It has an area of 296,420 km2 and an estimated popu
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Al-Fashir (also alternatively rendered as El Fasher; Arabic: الفاشر, romanized: al-Fāshir) is a city in western Sudan. It serves as the capital of the North Darfur State and is located in the Darfur region of Sudan, and is 195 kilometres (121 mi) n
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The Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, the Congo Republic or simply the Congo, is a country located in the western coast of Central Africa.
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Kordofan is a former province of central Sudan. In 1994 it was divided into three new federal states: North Kordofan, South Kordofan and West Kordofan.
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The International Organization for Migration is an intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and migrant workers.
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