Sudan's Civil War Escalates: RSF Attacks and Humanitarian Crisis Deepen
Published 13 July 2025
Highlights
- The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) stormed el-Fasher, capturing key locations before being pushed back by the Sudanese army.
- Nearly 300 people were killed in RSF attacks on villages in North Kordofan, with accusations of war crimes and genocide.
- The ongoing civil war, which began in April 2023, has led to over 150,000 deaths and displaced 12 million people.
- The RSF and Sudanese army continue to battle for control, exacerbating the world's largest humanitarian crisis.
- Communication blackouts in conflict zones hinder the verification of information and humanitarian efforts.
The conflict in Sudan has intensified as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a significant offensive on the besieged city of el-Fasher and carried out deadly raids in North Kordofan. These developments mark a troubling escalation in the civil war that has gripped the nation since April 2023.
RSF Storms El-Fasher
On Friday, RSF fighters stormed el-Fasher, capturing a cattle market, a prison, and a military base in a seven-hour battle. This marked the first major incursion into the city since the siege began 15 months ago. Witnesses reported the RSF broadcasting videos from the captured livestock market, showcasing their temporary control. However, by Saturday morning, the Sudanese army retaliated, pushing the RSF back beyond the city limits. Despite the army's claims of inflicting "heavy losses," RSF shelling continued, causing civilian casualties, including the death of five people in a vehicle hit by a shell.
Deadly Raids in North Kordofan
Simultaneously, the RSF has been accused of killing nearly 300 people in a series of attacks on villages in North Kordofan. According to the Emergency Lawyers human rights group, the RSF targeted several villages, including Shag Alnom, where over 200 people were killed. The attacks, described as war crimes, have forced more than 3,400 people to flee. The RSF's actions have drawn international condemnation, with accusations of genocide and crimes against humanity.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
The civil war has plunged Sudan into a dire humanitarian crisis, with over 150,000 deaths and 12 million people displaced. The United Nations has labeled it the world's largest humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by a global reduction in aid spending. The conflict has driven more than half the population into hunger and spread diseases like cholera. Communication blackouts in conflict zones, such as el-Fasher, further complicate efforts to verify information and deliver aid.
What this might mean
The ongoing conflict in Sudan shows no signs of abating, with both the RSF and the Sudanese army vying for control of strategic regions. The international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and address the humanitarian crisis, but geopolitical complexities and reduced aid budgets pose significant challenges. If the RSF continues its aggressive tactics, further accusations of war crimes and genocide could lead to increased international scrutiny and potential sanctions. Meanwhile, the Sudanese population remains caught in the crossfire, enduring unimaginable hardships as the civil war rages on.
