Who Controls Sudan? RSF vs SAF Control Map 2026

Conflict Location

Intelligence Summary

◆ By ConflictZone Intelligence Desk · AI-assisted, editorially reviewed · How we verify →

CRITICAL

Severity

Civil

Type

3

Headlines (48h)

1h

Last Updated

Current Status

According to Reuters and AP, fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues across Sudan with no ceasefire in effect as of late 2024.

Situation 2026

AP reports intense fighting concentrated in Khartoum, Darfur, and eastern Sudan, with neither side achieving decisive territorial gains
Reuters cites UN estimates of 20,000+ deaths and 6+ million internally displaced persons as of mid-2024
According to Al Jazeera and DW, both SAF and RSF have been accused by human rights organizations of committing atrocities against civilians
BBC reports repeated breakdown of ceasefire negotiations, with mediation efforts by Saudi Arabia and other regional actors showing limited progress
AFP indicates economic collapse and currency devaluation have accelerated, with basic services largely non-functional in conflict zones

Background

Armed conflict erupted in April 2023 between the SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, a paramilitary force, following a breakdown in power-sharing negotiations. BBC reports the conflict has roots in disputed control of Sudan's military and governance structures. The war has displaced millions and created what the UN describes as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

Humanitarian Impact

ICRC and UN humanitarian agencies report severe famine conditions, with AFP citing warnings of imminent food crisis affecting millions
According to World Health Organization reporting in major outlets, disease outbreaks including cholera have spread due to collapsed health infrastructure
Reuters reports sexual violence used systematically as weapon of war, particularly in Darfur and West Kordofan regions

Outlook

According to Tier 1 sources, the conflict shows no clear path to resolution absent major international intervention or significant shift in party positions. Analysts cited by Reuters and AP suggest protracted conflict is likely, with humanitarian conditions deteriorating further without negotiated settlement.

Key Actors

Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)Rapid Support Forces (RSF)United NationsICRCSaudi Arabia (mediator)

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Latest Headlines

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Full headline archive — every report we've logged →

Conflict Timeline

2023-04-15

Conflict erupts in Khartoum

Fighting breaks out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in the capital, marking the beginning of the civil war. The conflict stems from disputes over military integration and power consolidation.

2023-04-16

RSF expands military operations

The RSF launches coordinated attacks across multiple locations in Khartoum and surrounding areas. Heavy fighting spreads to key government facilities and residential neighborhoods.

2023-04-22

Humanitarian crisis deepens rapidly

Thousands of civilians are killed and hundreds of thousands displaced as fighting intensifies. Reports of widespread atrocities and sexual violence emerge from conflict zones.

2023-05-11

First ceasefire agreement proposed

Saudi Arabia and the United States broker a ceasefire agreement, though fighting continues despite the accord. Both sides accuse each other of violations.

2023-06-01

RSF captures strategic locations

The RSF takes control of the presidential palace and other key government installations in Khartoum. SAF forces retreat to military bases outside the capital.

2023-09-01

Conflict spreads to Darfur region

Fighting expands westward into Darfur, where RSF forces clash with SAF garrisons and local militias. Mass displacement and famine conditions reported.

2024-01-15

Jeddah peace talks collapse

Negotiations in Saudi Arabia between SAF and RSF representatives end without agreement. Both sides continue military offensives.

2024-04-01

Regional humanitarian crisis worsens

UN estimates over 10 million people displaced internally and regionally. Famine conditions spread across multiple states including Kordofan and Blue Nile.

2024-10-01

Conflict remains unresolved ongoing

After 18 months, no political settlement reached and fighting continues. International mediation efforts persist but remain unsuccessful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a war in Sudan right now?

Yes — the Sudan Civil War is an active conflict currently rated CRITICAL severity by ConflictZone. According to Reuters and AP, fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues across Sudan with no ceasefire in effect as of late 2024.

Who is fighting in Sudan?

The main parties are SAF vs RSF. According to Reuters and AP, fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues across Sudan with no ceasefire in effect as of late 2024.

Why did the Sudan Civil War start?

Armed conflict erupted in April 2023 between the SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, a paramilitary force, following a breakdown in power-sharing negotiations. BBC reports the conflict has roots in disputed control of Sudan's military and governance structures. The war has displaced millions and created what the UN describes as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

What is happening in Sudan today?

• AP reports intense fighting concentrated in Khartoum, Darfur, and eastern Sudan, with neither side achieving decisive territorial gains • Reuters cites UN estimates of 20,000+ deaths and 6+ million internally displaced persons as of mid-2024 • According to Al Jazeera and DW, both SAF and RSF have been accused by human rights organizations of committing atrocities against civilians • BBC reports repeated breakdown of ceasefire negotiations, with mediation efforts by Saudi Arabia and other regional actors showing limited progress • AFP indicates economic collapse and currency devaluation have accelerated, with basic services largely non-functional in conflict zones

How many people have died in the Sudan Civil War?

• ICRC and UN humanitarian agencies report severe famine conditions, with AFP citing warnings of imminent food crisis affecting millions • According to World Health Organization reporting in major outlets, disease outbreaks including cholera have spread due to collapsed health infrastructure • Reuters reports sexual violence used systematically as weapon of war, particularly in Darfur and West Kordofan regions

Is Sudan safe to visit in 2026?

ConflictZone rates the Sudan Civil War as CRITICAL severity. Conditions in an active conflict can change quickly — check your government's current travel advisory before travelling, and see the live map for the latest reported incident locations.

What happens next in the Sudan Civil War?

According to Tier 1 sources, the conflict shows no clear path to resolution absent major international intervention or significant shift in party positions. Analysts cited by Reuters and AP suggest protracted conflict is likely, with humanitarian conditions deteriorating further without negotiated settlement.

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