The civil war in Sudan, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, has entered its third year.
In recent months, the Darfur region has gained particular importance, where the fall of Al-Fasher—the capital of North Darfur State—to the RSF and widespread reports of human rights violations have escalated the crisis to a new level.
The RSF gained control of Al-Fasher in late October 2025. Following this occupation, multiple reports emerged of the massacre of citizens, mass displacement, prolonged siege, and the evacuation of thousands. For example, according to the Sudan Doctors Network, over 1,500 people were killed in the first 48 hours after the RSF took control of Al-Fasher.
International organizations have warned that the humanitarian situation in the region is critical; children suffer from severe malnutrition, escape routes are difficult and dangerous, and aid delivery is disrupted due to insecurity.
Meanwhile, the RSF militias have been cited by UN representatives and other bodies as the main perpetrators of war crimes. In this context, we interviewed Khalid Al-Fahl, a senior leader of the Sudanese Democratic Unionist Party, about the recent developments in Sudan.
Foreign Intervention as the Root of Sudan’s Conflict
Khalid Al-Fahl attributes the recent developments in Sudan to "foreign intervention," characterizing the militias led by Hamdan Dagalo (RSF) not as a local actor but as a collection of mercenaries and foreign-backed groups.
He alleges that since April 15, 2023, the UAE has been "the center of military operation guidance," and that the provision of arms and the deployment of mercenaries from countries such as Colombia, Ukraine, Chad, South Sudan, and elements affiliated with Khalifa Haftar in Libya have caused the continuation and escalation of the violence. He described the situation in El Fasher and Darfur as "catastrophic," citing "ethnic cleansing," "genocide," and the use of "starvation as a weapon," calling for the official recognition of the militias as terrorist organizations and the sanctioning of their foreign supporters.
In response to a question about his assessment of the recent developments and the main reasons for the ongoing conflict between the army and the RSF, the senior member of the Democratic Unionist Party said: "Developments in Sudan are the result of foreign intervention imposed on Sudan, while the international and regional community remains silent in the face of the inhumane violations committed by Hamdan Dagalo's militias and their mercenaries."
He added: "These groups target citizens, strip them of their dignity, and commit the worst types of human rights violations against them, unseen in the history of wars."
Militias Enjoy Military Support and Backing
Al-Fahl stated: "The continuation of the war has known reasons, including that the militias and mercenaries receive military support and backing from countries surrounding Africa and the region." He asserted: "The United Arab Emirates has been the center of military operation guidance in Sudan since April 15, 2023, until today, and its military movements and flights continue, as regional and international organizations have monitored and documented through credible global newspaper reports."
He continued: "The provision of military equipment and the presence of mercenaries from Colombia and Ukraine, as well as from Sudan's neighbors like Chad and South Sudan, and mercenaries affiliated with Khalifa Haftar in Libya—all these factors have directly fueled the fire of war and its continuation."
Al-Fahl, in response to why the city of Al Fasher has become so significant in recent events, said: "The reaction of public opinion and free people from various countries, and the showcasing of the tragedy of the Sudanese people, which has lasted for more than three years, helped draw attention to this crisis. The Sudanese people are under pressure from the militias' suppression machine, but at the same time, the Sudanese army succeeded in liberating Khartoum, Al-Jazirah, Sennar, and other cities, pushing back the militias and confining them to the Darfur and South Kordofan regions."
Appreciation for the People and Officials of Iran
The Sudanese analyst continued: "Here, we must also thank and appreciate the people of Iran who condemned the inhumane actions of the UAE and its direct support for the militias and mercenaries. We also thank the officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran for their fraternal positions and support for the legitimacy of Sudanese state institutions."
Describing the humanitarian situation in Al Fasher and adjacent Darfur areas, Al-Fahl said: "The situation in Al Fasher and other cities where militias and mercenaries are present is catastrophic. These militias commit the ugliest human rights violations, including ethnic cleansing, genocide, and the use of starvation as a weapon against defenseless citizens. Therefore, there is no sense of calm or guarantee of safety for people in militia-controlled areas, and the only solution is the destruction of these groups so that peace and tranquility can return."
International Community Must Recognize Militias as Terrorist Organizations
In response to the role of local and tribal forces in the recent Sudanese conflicts, he asserted: "This war is not a tribal conflict; it is a foreign aggression. Mercenaries have been brought in from various countries around the world, and now the majority of these forces are foreign, except for some groups linked to Hamdan Dagalo's family and some local elements forced to participate in the battle through threats and intimidation."
Regarding signs of readiness from the two sides for dialogue or a ceasefire, the analyst stated: "This is not a war between two ordinary 'sides.' The main side, representing the Sudanese people and its legitimate institutions, is the country's armed forces, which exercise the right to defend national sovereignty and repel foreign aggression. In contrast, the militias and mercenaries are the invading forces and cannot be considered a 'national side.'"
In response to the role the international community can play in stopping the current crisis, Al-Fahl noted: "The role of the international community is to officially recognize the militias as terrorist and extremist organizations, prohibit or block their economic activities, and impose sanctions against their leaders and the countries that provide them with financial or military support, to curb the spread of this dangerous phenomenon that threatens international security and peace."
ISNA