Latest Atrocity in Strategic Region
Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) killed 18 civilians and wounded dozens in an attack on two villages in Sudan's North Kordofan state on August 7, according to the Emergency Lawyers human rights group. The wounded were transported to El-Obeid for treatment amid near-total communication blackouts that hinder independent verification. This assault follows a pattern of intensified RSF operations in Kordofan since losing control of Khartoum to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in March.
Broader Campaign of Violence
The attack is part of a devastating surge in RSF violence across Kordofan. In July, RSF fighters burned villages near Bara, killing approximately 300 civilians in Shag Alnom and Hilat Hamid, including children and pregnant women trapped in their homes. On July 24, another RSF raid on Brema Rashid village in West Kordofan left 27 dead and 43 injured, with witnesses describing indiscriminate fire on homes and markets. Human rights groups consistently document RSF tactics of arson, summary executions, and looting, with the Sudanese Doctors Network condemning these as "systematic war crimes".
Geopolitical Stakes and Resource Wars
Kordofan’s strategic significance fuels the violence. The region contains pipelines carrying 80% of South Sudan’s oil exports, generating billions in revenue. Both factions battle to control these conduits, with the RSF threatening to "shut down Heglig’s oil" if bombed. North Kordofan is vital for RSF fuel smuggling from Libya, facilitated by UAE-backed Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar. Recent RSF advances near the Egypt-Libya-Sudan tri-border aim to secure these supply lines. The UAE intensifies conflict by funneling arms via Libya and Chad. Sudan’s army cut diplomatic ties with the UAE in May, accusing it of backing RSF drone strikes.
Humanitarian Catastrophe Deepens
Civilian suffering is catastrophic. Over 12 million Sudanese are displaced, the world’s largest crisis with 3,000 recently fleeing Kordofan villages. UN agencies warn 25 million face acute hunger, while RSF blockades prevent aid from reaching besieged cities like El-Obeid. Despite ICC investigations into atrocities in Darfur, no leaders face consequences. RSF commanders continue profiting from smuggling medicines, fuel, and Starlink devices amid blackouts.
International responses remain inadequate. While the UN condemns violations, no sanctions target UAE arms flows, and SAF airstrikes like those killing 20 in El-Fula further punish civilians. With the rainy season hindering mobility, both sides are racing to consolidate territory before September, ensuring more bloodshed.