Rapid Support Forces Occupy Darfur Cities and Threaten Sudan’s Division, Governor Warns

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have seized El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.

“Tanzanian authorities have charged hundreds of people with treason following demonstrations related to disputed elections held last month”

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The takeover has been accompanied by reports of massacres, sexual violence, and mass displacement.

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Local and international voices warn that this takeover risks splitting the country.

Darfur Governor Minni Arko Minnawi says any truce must compel RSF and allied Janjaweed to withdraw from civilian areas.

He also demands the release of abductees and the safe return of displaced people.

Minnawi cautions that without these conditions, the division of Sudan could follow.

Multiple outlets note that RSF control of El-Fasher completes its hold over all five Darfur state capitals.

This control has spurred an exodus of more than 81,000 people from El-Fasher and surrounding areas.

Accounts from UN officials, investigations, and rights groups describe a worsening humanitarian catastrophe.

There are widespread executions, rape, ethnic targeting, looting, and civilians trapped as fighting rages.

Al Jazeera

Satellite imagery points to mass graves.

Reporting notes communication blackouts that complicate verification.

Calls intensify for urgent international intervention to stem atrocities and protect civilians.

Competing ceasefire narratives add to the confusion.

“Turkey has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 36 other senior Israeli officials, accusing them of genocide and crimes against humanity linked to Israel’s military actions in Gaza since October 2023”

Al Jazeera

DW reports the RSF’s claim of a “humanitarian truce,” yet experts and aid groups doubt the group’s sincerity.

Roya News says the RSF agreed to a three‑month ceasefire proposed by a US‑backed “International Quartet,” while Sudan’s army rejected it and continued operations.

Al‑Jazeera Net adds that Washington has pushed for a humanitarian ceasefire conditioned on the withdrawal of Janjaweed/mercenaries from civilian areas, release of abductees, and protection for displaced people to avoid Sudan’s division.

Meanwhile, the Times of India characterizes the situation as a “one‑sided truce” amid ongoing conflict and pleas for aid.

The risk of Sudan’s division is a recurring theme.

Minnawi warns that any truce without strict protections and withdrawals would effectively mean the division of Sudan.

Al-Jazeera Net

Several outlets link the RSF’s capture of El-Fasher—and its control over all five Darfur capitals—to fears of an east-west split.

At the same time, coverage notes the front may expand or shift.

There are warnings that fighting could intensify in Kordofan and even around Khartoum as the RSF refocuses operations.

Calls for accountability and stronger international action have intensified.

“The Turkish government is drafting a new law to enable thousands of PKK fighters and Kurdish civilians to return from northern Iraq to their homes, aiming to resolve a decades-long conflict that has caused around 40,000 deaths”

Al-Jazeera Net

DW reports advocates urging sanctions against RSF leaders and alleged backers such as the UAE, while noting that US and other sanctions on both sides have had limited effect.

Al-Jazeera Net

Asharq Al‑awsat and Arab News amplify UN alarm about atrocities and the need for urgent intervention.

Middle East Monitor echoes Minnawi’s demand to protect civilians and hold perpetrators accountable.

Al‑Jazeera Net adds operational details, including RSF drone activity, an army shoot‑down in Al Ubayyid, and the RSF leader acknowledging excesses and opening an investigation.