Khartoum Falls to RSF as Power Dynamics Shift

On March 26, 2025, Sudan’s civil war entered a new phase when the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured Khartoum, marking a significant power shift in the nearly two-year-long conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The battle for the capital further destabilized an already volatile nation, raising fears of deepening humanitarian and regional crises.

Power Consolidation and Foreign Sanctions

Shortly after Khartoum’s fall, Sovereign Council Chairman and SAF commander General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan visited the city. In January 2025, the U.S. imposed sanctions on al-Burhan for allegedly fueling the conflict. Despite his efforts to retain control, most local militias in Khartoum remain independent of the SAF’s command structure. Analysts warn this fragmentation could lead to further violence, such as the January 2024 massacre in Gezira.

Humanitarian Catastrophe Worsens

The war has triggered one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history. Over 11 million people have been displaced, with nearly 3 million fleeing to neighboring countries. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Amnesty International report rampant human rights violations. Sudan’s health infrastructure has collapsed, and famine looms across several provinces. Ethnic tensions, especially among Arab tribes in Darfur, are expected to intensify.

Conflict Spreads Beyond Borders

RSF fighters have used the al-Zurug base as a critical supply line through Chad and Libya. With fighting poised to shift toward this strategic location, the United Nations warns that regional instability could escalate. Meanwhile, the SAF continues targeting civilians accused of supporting the RSF, further undermining any prospects for peace.

Global Inaction and Diplomatic Failure

Efforts to end the conflict through diplomacy have failed. A UN-brokered peace initiative in August 2024 collapsed when SAF representatives refused to participate. The United States and other global powers remain preoccupied with conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and Iran. With no major nation stepping in to mediate, a ceasefire appears unlikely in the near future.

Extremist Threats Emerge

As the international spotlight fades, extremist groups seek to exploit the chaos. In its weekly newsletter Al Naba, Islamic State called Sudan “forgotten” and urged Muslims to join its cause. This development underscores the danger of Sudan becoming a breeding ground for transnational jihadist movements if left unaddressed.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

The fall of Khartoum to RSF forces has changed the trajectory of Sudan’s civil war. With millions displaced, ethnic violence flaring, and the health system in ruins, urgent international intervention is needed. Without it, Sudan’s humanitarian disaster will continue to worsen, and the war could spill over into the broader Sahel region.

Category: Conflict & Security, Africa Politics, Humanitarian Crisis
Tags: Sudan civil war, RSF, SAF, Khartoum fighting, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan refugees, UN peace talks, Sudan famine, Darfur violence, humanitarian disaster