Half the population of Sudan faces extreme levels of hunger | 1000 days of war in Sudan

Sudan Conflict: A Thousand Days of War - Detailed Summary

Key Concepts:

• RSF (Rapid Support Forces): A Sudanese paramilitary group currently engaged in conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces.
• Arms Embargo: Restrictions imposed by the United Nations on the sale and transfer of weapons to specific countries or entities.
• SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute): An independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament.
• Manurva Special Purpose Vehicles (MSPV): A UAE-based company manufacturing armored vehicles.
• Panthetherra T2: A specific model of armored vehicle manufactured by MSPV.
• AH4 Howitzer: A Chinese-produced artillery piece.
• M10 SAS/M110 SAS: US-made semi-automatic rifles.
• C5, R23: Types of drones utilized in the conflict.

1. Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement

The conflict in Sudan has reached a grim milestone of 1,000 days, resulting in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Approximately 70% of Sudan’s population – 30 million people – are now in dire need of aid. Mass displacement is rampant, with many seeking refuge in camps like the one in North Darfur. A significant number of displaced individuals originate from Al Fasir, the regional capital, which was captured by the RSF following a brutal massacre. Footage smuggled out of Al Fasir depicts a city reduced to ruins, bearing the scars of intense bombardment and fighting. Soldiers who defended Al Fasir during the 18-month siege are now themselves displaced, often lacking support from the military. One soldier stated, “There were no instructions from top command. Everyone just scattered… We don't know where the area commander left from.” Another expressed despair, stating, “We haven’t seen a single thing from them… We should ask God for this war to end.”

2. Foreign Weaponry Fueling the Conflict

The war is being prolonged by a substantial influx of foreign weapons. Videos shared by RSF fighters demonstrate the use of equipment from various countries, including sites of severe atrocities and key territorial gains.

• Panthetherra T2 (UAE): An armored vehicle identified as a Panthetherra T2, manufactured by UAE-based MSPV, was observed during the RSF’s capture of Faser in October 2025 and again near Babusa in November. This vehicle has also been reportedly operated by the Libyan National Army, backed by the UAE.
• AH4 Howitzer (China via UAE): Captured footage shows an AH4 howitzer, imported to the UAE from China in 2019 (according to the SIPRI arms transfer database), being used by RSF forces.
• M10 SAS Rifle (USA): US-made M10 SAS rifles, manufactured by Knights Armament Company (KAC) in Florida, have been observed with RSF fighters during the capture of Babanusa and Hitch Leech. While widespread use of the M110 SAS is not reported, the presence of the M10 SAS, potentially captured from Egyptian forces in 2023, highlights the broad range of foreign weaponry involved.
• Drones: The conflict also involves the use of various drones, including C5 (likely referring to different types – suicide, strategic, and bomb-carrying) and R23 models.

3. Violations of Arms Embargoes & External Support

The report alleges that the supply of these weapons constitutes a violation of both the Sudanese and Libyan arms embargoes. The weapons are reportedly being channeled through networks and proxies supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and forces in Libya and Chad. The report highlights the recurrent contravention of the Libyan arms embargo.

4. UAE Response & Counterarguments

The UAE responded to Sky News’ findings with a statement categorically rejecting claims of providing support to either warring party. They asserted that the AH4 howitzer is a commercially available system manufactured outside the UAE and that attributing its procurement or transfer to a single country is inaccurate. The UAE also emphasized its adherence to a “comprehensive and robust export control regime” in line with international law.

5. Civilian Impact & Call for a Political Solution

The war has had a devastating impact on civilians, with millions targeted through mass killings, starvation, displacement, and detention. A doctor who assisted civilians during the siege of Al Fasir, and was subsequently assaulted and detained by the RSF, emphasized the disproportionate suffering of women, children, and young men, stating, “The main victims are women and children and the young men who have become tools for a war that won't benefit them.” He further argued, “There is no military solution that will solve this.”

6. Logical Connections & Overall Narrative

The report establishes a clear connection between the prolonged conflict, the influx of foreign weaponry, and the resulting humanitarian catastrophe. It demonstrates how external actors are potentially fueling the war through the circumvention of arms embargoes, exacerbating the suffering of the Sudanese people. The narrative progresses from documenting the immediate consequences of the war (displacement, destruction) to investigating the underlying causes (arms supply) and highlighting the urgent need for a political solution.

7. Data & Statistics

• 70% of Sudan’s population (30 million people) are in dire need of aid.
• The conflict has reached 1,000 days.
• The AH4 howitzer was imported to the UAE from China in 2019 (SIPRI data).
• The Panthetherra T2 was observed in footage from October 2025 and November 2025.

Conclusion:

The 1,000-day mark of the Sudan conflict underscores a deepening humanitarian crisis fueled by unchecked violence and the proliferation of foreign weapons. The report presents compelling evidence suggesting violations of international arms embargoes and implicates external actors in prolonging the war. The testimonies of soldiers and civilians, coupled with the visual evidence of destruction and weaponry, paint a grim picture of a nation devastated by conflict, demanding urgent international attention and a shift towards a political resolution.