The Sudan conflict has plunged the nation into one of the world’s most devastating humanitarian crises, with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) locked in a brutal civil war since April 2023. What began as a power struggle between two military factions has spiraled into widespread violence, famine, and mass displacement, leaving millions in dire need of humanitarian aid. From the war-torn streets of Khartoum to the famine-stricken region of Darfur, the consequences of SAF vs RSF clashes are reshaping Sudan’s future.
The Roots of the Sudan Conflict
The Sudan civil war erupted when tensions between SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and RSF, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), boiled over. Initially allies in a 2021 coup, their rivalry over integrating the RSF into the national army sparked fighting in Khartoum. The RSF, with roots in Darfur’s Janjaweed militias, quickly seized much of the capital, while SAF relied on its air superiority to counterattack. This SAF vs RSF showdown has since spread across Sudan, with devastating effects.
Darfur: A Region Under Siege
Darfur, a longtime hotspot of conflict, has become a focal point in the Sudan conflict. The RSF maintains near-total control of this western region, where it’s accused of ethnic violence and blocking humanitarian aid. Recent reports highlight famine conditions in North Darfur, particularly in displacement camps like Zamzam, where starvation threatens hundreds of thousands. SAF airstrikes targeting RSF positions have further escalated civilian suffering, with a March 2025 strike on a Darfur market reportedly killing hundreds.
Khartoum: A Capital in Ruins
Khartoum, once Sudan’s bustling capital, now lies in tatters. The SAF vs RSF battles have reduced neighborhoods to rubble, displaced over 12 million people nationwide, and triggered acute food shortages. In late March 2025, SAF declared victory in Khartoum, reclaiming key sites like the presidential palace and airport from RSF control. Yet, analysts warn this may only shift the conflict westward to Darfur, as RSF fighters retreat to their stronghold.
Humanitarian Aid Struggles Amid Famine and Displacement
The Sudan conflict has created the world’s largest displacement crisis, with millions fleeing their homes. Famine grips parts of Darfur and beyond, with nearly 25 million Sudanese facing food insecurity. Both SAF and RSF have been accused of obstructing humanitarian aid, exacerbating the crisis. International efforts to deliver relief are hampered by ongoing violence and RSF restrictions in Darfur, leaving aid workers and civilians in a desperate struggle for survival.
What’s Next for Sudan?
As SAF consolidates gains in Khartoum, the Sudan conflict shows no signs of abating. The RSF’s grip on Darfur and its push for a parallel government signal a potential de facto partition of the country. With foreign powers like the UAE allegedly backing the RSF and humanitarian aid faltering, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The SAF vs RSF rivalry continues to fuel a cycle of violence, famine, and displacement, with Sudan’s people bearing the heaviest burden.
Stay informed about the Sudan conflict and its impact on Darfur, Khartoum, and beyond. The need for humanitarian aid has never been more urgent—will the world step up to help?
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