Sudan’s deadly conflict enters third year as army clashes with Rapid Support Forces

Fierce fighting between Sudan's national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to grip the country, marking the start of the conflict's third year.

The war, which erupted in the capital Khartoum on April 15, 2023, has since spread across numerous regions, plunging the nation deeper into crisis, Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media. 

A key turning point came on March 26, 2025, when government forces recaptured the Presidential Palace in Khartoum, held by the RSF for over two years. While the symbolic victory marked a significant shift in the conflict, it has not led to a de-escalation. Instead, violence has intensified—particularly in Al Fashir, the capital of North Darfur. RSF fighters have laid siege to the city since May 10, 2024, and their attacks have escalated in recent weeks.

Humanitarian conditions in the city’s refugee camps are now being described as "horrific," with reports of growing civilian suffering. The Sudanese army launched a large-scale ground offensive on September 26, 2024, targeting RSF strongholds in Khartoum and other urban centres. The military has regained territory in South Sennar as well as in the strategic central regions of Al Jazirah and White Nile state. 

Despite these efforts, the RSF retains control over four of Darfur’s five states, maintaining pressure on both military and civilian populations. The conflict has displaced millions and crippled Sudan’s economy, while diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire remain stalled.

The conflict between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted amid disagreements over the RSF’s integration into the regular armed forces. In 2023, the RSF began deploying troops to airports and military bases across the country, a move that triggered the escalation of full-scale hostilities. 

The international community remains deeply concerned about the rising violence and the ongoing destruction of Sudan’s infrastructure. The war has had devastating consequences for the country’s healthcare system, which has largely collapsed, leaving millions without access to essential medical services. Despite recent territorial gains by the Sudanese army, the conflict shows no signs of ending. Fighting is expected to continue until the RSF is fully expelled from Sudanese territory.

By Naila Huseynova