Geopolitical Briefing: Sudan
4 May 2025
- The RSF launched its first drone strike on Port Sudan, targeting military and civilian infrastructure in the eastern stronghold of the Sudanese Armed Forces.
- A UN panel is investigating the transfer of Bulgarian mortar rounds, originally sold to the UAE, found in RSF convoys in Darfur.
- The RSF seized the Zamzam displacement camp in Darfur after intense assaults, resulting in over 300 deaths and displacing approximately 400,000 people.
- In Omdurman, RSF forces killed at least 30 civilians and abducted dozens, including women, prompting calls for the group to be designated as a terrorist organization.
- Sudan’s case against the UAE at the International Court of Justice, alleging complicity in genocide through support of the RSF, is under deliberation.(Reuters, Reuters, Reuters, AP News, Politico)
On 4 May, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) conducted a drone attack on Port Sudan, marking their first strike on the eastern city, which serves as the de facto capital under Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) control. The attack targeted the Osman Digna Air Base, a goods warehouse, and civilian facilities, indicating an expansion of RSF operations beyond traditional conflict zones. This development underscores the RSF’s growing operational capabilities and the escalating threat to national security and territorial integrity. (Al Jazeera)
A United Nations panel is investigating the discovery of Bulgarian mortar rounds, initially exported to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2019, found in RSF convoys in Darfur. The ammunition, bearing serial numbers matching those sold to the UAE, raises concerns about unauthorized arms transfers. The UAE has denied supplying arms to the RSF, but the refusal to provide full cargo manifests for suspicious flights into Chad has intensified scrutiny. This situation highlights the challenges Sudan faces in asserting control over external influences that may be fueling internal conflict. (Reuters)
The RSF’s seizure of the Zamzam displacement camp in Darfur, following days of shelling, drone strikes, and ground assaults, resulted in over 300 deaths and the displacement of approximately 400,000 individuals. The camp, housing around 500,000 people, was a critical refuge amidst the ongoing conflict. The RSF’s actions have been condemned by humanitarian organizations as deliberate attacks on vulnerable civilians, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and undermining efforts to maintain social cohesion and stability. (Reuters)
In Omdurman, RSF forces killed at least 30 civilians and abducted dozens, including women, in the Salha area. Footage circulating online shows men in RSF uniforms detaining individuals, with several bodies visible. The Sudanese foreign ministry has condemned the attack and urged the international community to classify the RSF as a terrorist group. Such incidents highlight the RSF’s continued threat to civilian safety and the rule of law, impeding efforts to restore governance and public trust. (AP News)
Sudan’s case against the UAE at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging complicity in genocide through support of the RSF, is currently under deliberation. Sudan claims the UAE’s support enabled ongoing atrocities, specifically citing the RSF’s treatment of the Masalit people in Darfur. The UAE denies the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. The outcome of this case could significantly impact Sudan’s efforts to curtail external interference and assert sovereignty over its internal affairs. (Politico, The Guardian)
