CAIRO (AP) – Sudan's ongoing conflict, which has persisted for over two years, has seen the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, claiming control over a significant area along the border with Libya and Egypt. In a statement released on Wednesday, the RSF announced their capture of a triangular zone, thereby enhancing their foothold along Sudan's already precarious border with the war-torn country of Libya.
This announcement from the RSF came just hours after the Sudanese military reported evacuating the area as part of their defensive measures aimed at countering the RSF's alleged aggression. The military specifically accused the forces of Khalifa Hifter, a prominent Libyan commander, of aiding in attacks on this border region, labeling the action as "a blatant aggression against Sudan, its land, and its people." Hifter's forces, which are known to control regions in eastern and southern Libya, disputed these claims, describing them as "a blatant attempt to export the Sudanese internal crisis and create a virtual external enemy."
The recent capture of the border area marks another development in Sudan's civil war, which erupted in April 2023 following escalating tensions between the Sudanese army and the RSF. What began with street battles in the capital city of Khartoum rapidly proliferated into a nationwide conflict. To date, the war has resulted in the deaths of at least 24,000 individuals, according to estimates. However, the actual toll is believed to be significantly higher.
The humanitarian impact of this conflict has been catastrophic, with approximately 13 million people displaced from their homes. Among these, around 4 million have fled into neighboring countries, leading to what is widely recognized as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Compounding these dire circumstances, several regions of Sudan are reported to be on the brink of famine.
Amidst the violence, reports of atrocities have surfaced, including widespread instances of mass rape and killings motivated by ethnic tensions, actions that have been categorized as war crimes and crimes against humanity. International rights groups and the U.N. have specifically highlighted these violations, particularly focusing on the region of Darfur, which has consistently been emblematic of the brutalities endured by civilians throughout the conflict.
As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of the RSF's actions along the border with Libya and the military's responses remain to be fully seen, raising concerns about the stability of Sudan and the broader region.
