Sudan war – what’s happening? | Start Here shorts

Key Concepts:

• Sudan Armed Forces (SAF)
• Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
• Humanitarian Ceasefire
• Alaser (city)
• Genocide accusations
• Resource control

Developments in the War in Sudan

Drone Attacks and Accusations

Early Friday morning, explosions were reported in Sudan. Drones targeted a major city near the capital, Khartoum, and another city further north. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which control these areas, intercepted the drones and attributed the attacks to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This conflict, now in its third year, pits the SAF against the RSF. The SAF currently holds Khartoum and eastern Sudan, while the RSF controls significant territories in the west and south, effectively dividing the country.

RSF's Humanitarian Ceasefire Announcement and its Prospects

The drone attacks occurred the day after the RSF announced their agreement to a humanitarian ceasefire. This truce is critically needed, particularly in western Sudan and the city of Alaser, which has recently experienced severe violence. The RSF captured Alaser in late October, having besieged it for over a year, cutting off essential supplies like food and water.

Allegations of Genocide in Alaser

The RSF has been accused of committing genocide in Alaser. Videos have surfaced online showing RSF fighters allegedly committing killings. Satellite imagery has even revealed visible bloodstains, described as a "live stream of people delighting in murder." Reports detail thousands of people, including women and children, being instructed to run and then shot, with fighters reportedly laughing. A colleague, Hiba Morgan, visited a displacement camp for those who fled Alaser, describing the situation as "one horror story after another" and "very bleak."

Obstacles to a Humanitarian Truce

The prospect of the humanitarian truce taking hold appears precarious. The SAF has not agreed to the ceasefire, stating they will only do so if the RSF withdraws from the major cities it controls.

Outlook and Underlying Motivations

The current trajectory of the conflict is described as "going nowhere good." There is a perceived lack of serious commitment from both sides to end the war. The underlying motivation for both the SAF and RSF is to rule the country and secure complete control over its resources.

Conclusion

The situation in Sudan remains dire, marked by escalating violence, accusations of atrocities, and a lack of progress towards a lasting peace. The recent drone attacks and the shaky prospects of a humanitarian ceasefire highlight the deep-seated animosity and the competing ambitions of the SAF and RSF for control of the nation and its resources.