As of October 2025, Sudan is still in a civil war. The war started in April 2023. It is between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The SAF is led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The RSF is led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also called Hemedti. The war has caused a lot of harm. Over 150,000 people have died. More than 14 million people have been forced to leave their homes.
Key Developments in the Sudan Civil War (2025)
1. Humanitarian Crisis Gets Worse
The situation in Sudan is very bad. In Darfur’s city of el-Fasher, at least 91 civilians were killed between September 19 and 29, 2025. They died from artillery, drones, and RSF attacks. During the same time, 23 people, including children and pregnant women, died from lack of food.
2. Military Changes and Control
The SAF has taken back some important cities. This includes Khartoum and el-Obeid. But the RSF still controls much of Darfur and parts of South and West Kordofan. They also have access to South Sudan.
3. More Weapons and Foreign Help
The war now uses advanced weapons. The RSF has missiles and drones. Some came from countries like the UAE, Turkey, Iran, and Bulgaria. This worries people about more regional conflict and more weapons in the area.
4. Global Response
The world has been criticized for not helping enough. Some countries give aid, but peace talks have not worked well. The UN and human rights groups call for urgent action to protect civilians.
Personal Stories
Survivors share painful stories. Suba Dafallah from Darfur said his mother and sisters were killed. Another sister was taken by RSF fighters. He fled 800 miles to Renk in South Sudan. Others report forced recruitment, killings, and ethnic targeting of Darfurian civilians.
What Works Well
- Resilience of the People: Many Sudanese keep helping each other despite dangers.
- International Support: Some humanitarian groups and neighbors give aid and help refugees.
What Needs Improvement
- International Action: The world needs stronger and faster efforts to mediate peace and provide help.
- Civilian Protection: Keeping civilians safe, especially in besieged areas like el-Fasher, is still very hard.
Comparison Table: SAF vs. RSF
| Aspect | Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) | Rapid Support Forces (RSF) |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan | Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) |
| Territorial Control | Khartoum, el-Obeid, Port Sudan | Darfur, South and West Kordofan |
| Military Strength | Conventional army with international support | Paramilitary group with advanced weaponry |
| International Support | UAE, Egypt | UAE, Turkey, Iran |
| Humanitarian Impact | Responsible for civilian casualties in Khartoum | Accused of war crimes in Darfur |
FAQs Sudan Civil War Update 2025
The conflict began in April 2023 due to a power struggle between the SAF and the RSF, both factions of Sudan’s military government Wikipedia.
Q2: How has the war affected Sudan’s economy?
The war has devastated Sudan’s economy, leading to widespread poverty, inflation, and the collapse of essential services.
Q3: Are there any peace talks underway?
While various international actors have attempted to mediate peace, no substantial negotiations have been successful thus far Front page – US.
Q4: How can the international community help?
The international community can assist by providing humanitarian aid, enforcing arms embargoes, and supporting diplomatic efforts for peace OHCHR.
Q5: What is the current status of Khartoum?
Khartoum has been recaptured by the SAF, but the city remains heavily damaged, and rebuilding efforts are ongoing amid ongoing insecurity
Conclusion
The Sudan civil war continues to wreak havoc on the nation and its people. While there have been some military gains by the SAF, the humanitarian situation remains dire. A concerted international effort is urgently needed to bring an end to the conflict and alleviate the suffering of millions.
Author Bio
Shariar is a conflict analyst specializing in African geopolitics and humanitarian crises. With over a decade of experience in the field, Sahrier has contributed to various international publications and served as an advisor to NGOs operating in conflict zones.
References
- AP News
- AP News
- The Washington Post
- The Guardian
- Al Jazeera
- OHCHR
- Front page – US
- Al Mayadeen English
