Darfur Update
Never Again Coalition 
Thursday, October 26, 2023

Over the past several months the RSF conducted ethnic cleansing in West Darfur, has laid siege to Hasahisa Camp in Central Darfur for over three weeks with fighting ongoing between the RSF and SAF in Zalingei, and are now effectively in control of Nyala, the capital of South Darfur. SAF maintains that they have control of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur but clashes were reported between the two forces today. Though today’s battles may have been limited, we can expect El Fasher to emerge as the next frontier of the war especially during the Jeddah talks as both warring parties believe that a military victory is still possible.

We are hearing that 10K trucks crossed into Darfur over the weekend, entering through Libya and Chad to provide reinforcements to the RSF. If RSF proceed to launch their next offensive in El Fasher, there will be intense fighting with not only SAF but likely with the Darfur Joint Force as well. The Joint Force is comprised of Juba Peace Agreement (JPA) signatories who declared their neutrality at the outbreak of this war and their aim of protecting civilians from violence. If the RSF were to attack the Joint Force, this could lead to the further expansion of this conflict as JPA signatories may struggle to maintain their neutrality.

While the Jeddah talks are underway, it is critical for the U.S. to acknowledge instances of violence that are still taking place to ensure that warring parties cannot use the talks as an opportunity to escalate the conflict, nor gain further legitimacy. 

If the RSF and SAF understand that negotiators will not accept their participation in Sudan’s political future, there is little incentive for them to agree to a ceasefire as they stand to lose all political power; on the RSF side, Hemedti, Commander of the RSF, was the Deputy Chairman of the Sovereign Council while Burhan, Head of SAF, is Chairman of the Sovereign Council and Head of State. Facilitators should recognize the risk that RSF and/or SAF may use the talks as an opportunity to perpetrate further human rights abuses and violations whilst advancing military aims. 

Finally, there are significant protection concerns around CRSV documenters and challenges to accountability. We are aware that at least one group doing CRSV documentation in Khartoum is facing direct threats from RSF while the FFC is trying to undermine their credibility. It's important to be aware of these threats as groups in the CRSV-advocacy space risk being implicated in any accountability measures due to their prominence.