One Year After El Fasher Fell, Foreign Weapons Keep the War Burning
The International Crisis Group marked one year since the Rapid Support Forces captured El Fasher with a warning that Sudan’s war is being prolonged by foreign governments arming both sides, including the United Arab Emirates, whose backing of the paramilitary group Abu Dhabi continues to deny.
Drones Over Darfur as Outside Powers Feed Both Armies
In an episode of the group’s “Hold Your Fire!” podcast, Sudan expert Shewit Woldemichael and Horn of Africa Director Alan Boswell examined how outside actors failed to prevent atrocities during the RSF’s takeover of the city a year ago and how they continue to fuel the fighting.
External deliveries of drones and other military equipment are helping the RSF sustain its campaign, the experts said, while Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Türkiye provide support to the Sudanese army.
Entrenched Camps, Stalled Ceasefires
The effect, they argued, is a battlefield where neither side has an incentive to compromise: Emirati support for the RSF and Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Türkiye’s backing of the Sudanese army have left both sides with little incentive to compromise, and U.S.-led ceasefire efforts have stalled as a result.
Emirati Official Lana Nusseibeh Eyes UN Secretary-General Post
The episode also discussed the questions raised by top Emirati official Lana Nusseibeh’s bid for UN Secretary-General in light of the UAE’s role in Sudan’s war.
Supply Lines Open, Settlement Out of Reach
With shifting front lines, the growing risk of regional spillover, and external supply lines helping the RSF sustain its campaign, the Crisis Group experts discussed what a negotiated settlement might require.
