What's happened
As of mid-December 2025, Sudan's civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has escalated in the Kordofan region. The RSF seized the strategic Heglig oilfield, prompting South Sudanese troops to deploy under a tripartite agreement to neutralize the site. Fierce fighting continues, causing mass displacement, widespread atrocities, and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Shifts and Humanitarian Fallout
The RSF's capture of the Heglig oilfield marks a pivotal shift in the conflict's geography and stakes. Controlling Heglig not only threatens Sudan's largest oil revenue source but also impacts South Sudan's economy, prompting a rare tripartite agreement involving South Sudanese forces to neutralize the site. This underscores the regional implications of Sudan's internal conflict.
RSF Momentum and SAF Challenges
The RSF's advances in Kordofan, including the contested city of Babnusa, demonstrate their growing operational flexibility and territorial control. The SAF's inability to hold key transport hubs like Babnusa and el-Fasher reflects its overstretched resources and challenges in arms procurement. The RSF's momentum is likely to continue, threatening to bisect Sudan and isolate SAF-held territories.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The conflict has precipitated one of the world's worst humanitarian emergencies, with over 12 million displaced and millions facing famine-like conditions. The RSF's documented atrocities, including mass killings, sexual violence, and forced recruitment, exacerbate civilian suffering. The destruction of medical infrastructure and obstruction of aid further compound the crisis.
International Mediation and Geopolitical Dynamics
Despite mediation efforts by the Quad (US, UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia), fighting persists, partly driven by both sides seeking territorial advantage before potential ceasefires. Accusations of external support, particularly UAE backing of the RSF, complicate peace prospects. The involvement of South Sudanese forces in securing oil infrastructure highlights the conflict's regional entanglements.
Forecast
The RSF will likely consolidate control over Kordofan, leveraging its strategic and economic assets to strengthen its position. The SAF faces a critical test in regaining lost ground amid dwindling resources. Without a robust international response, the humanitarian crisis will worsen, and the risk of mass atrocities in Kordofan may mirror those seen in Darfur. The conflict's regional spillover, especially into South Sudan and Chad, will continue to destabilize the broader area.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera provides detailed coverage of the conflict's progression, highlighting the RSF's capture of Heglig and the subsequent deployment of South Sudanese troops under a tripartite agreement. Their reporting emphasizes the humanitarian toll, with accounts of mass displacement and atrocities, including the RSF's use of drone strikes and attacks on civilian infrastructure. AP News corroborates the deadly drone strike at Heglig, noting casualties among RSF and South Sudanese soldiers, underscoring the conflict's lethal intensity. All Africa offers insight into the strategic importance of Babnusa and the ongoing battles for control, quoting military analysts who describe the RSF's operational gains and the SAF's attempts to counterattack. Sky News contextualizes the broader war, noting the RSF's rejection of ceasefire terms and the devastating human cost, with millions displaced and tens of thousands killed. Reuters and AP News report on unrelated but tragic riverboat accidents in Congo, which, while outside Sudan, highlight regional instability. Together, these sources paint a comprehensive picture of a conflict escalating in military, humanitarian, and geopolitical dimensions, with the RSF gaining ground amid international mediation failures and worsening civilian suffering.
How we got here
Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal civil war between the SAF and RSF. The RSF gained full control of Darfur in late 2025 and has shifted focus to Kordofan, a region rich in oil and agricultural resources. The conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, with international mediation efforts failing to halt hostilities.
Go deeper
- What is the significance of the Heglig oilfield in the Sudan conflict?
- How is the humanitarian crisis evolving in Sudan's Kordofan region?
- What role is South Sudan playing in the Sudanese civil war?
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 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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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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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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South Kordofan is one of the 18 wilayat or states of Sudan. It has an area of 158,355 km² and an estimated population of approximately 1,100,000 people. Kaduqli is the capital of the state. It is centered on the Nuba Hills.
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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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The International Criminal Court is an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal that sits in The Hague, Netherlands.
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Chad, officially known as the Republic of Chad, is a landlocked country in north-central Africa. It is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon to the south-west, Nigeria to the southwest, and
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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 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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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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Khartoum or Khartum is the capital of Sudan. With a population of 5,274,321, its metropolitan area is the largest in Sudan, the sixth-largest in Africa, the second-largest in North Africa, and the fourth-largest in the Arab world.