To ensure our readers are updated on the numerous events occurring in Sudan during the continuing, severe conflict, we have created a set of...
To ensure our readers are updated on the numerous events occurring in Sudan during the continuing, severe conflict, we have created a set of weekly news summaries, addressing nine key subjects from the week.
In this week's edition:
Egyptian military increases vigilance as tensions rise along the Sudanese border
Rapid Support Forces target Babanusa and shell Dilling
The future of the humanitarian ceasefire is unclear
Military bases of the RSF in Abyei cause worries at the United Nations
RSF aims to increase gold mining activities in Darfur
The military forces and RSF engage in increasing drone strikes
Unrest breaks out in northern Sudan due to pollution from mining activities
Chad opens the Adré border checkpoint with Sudan
1. Egyptian military activates warnings as tensions increase along the Sudanese border
The Egyptian military has increased its alert status in the southern region following an air attack on a Rapid Support Forces (RSF) convoy near the tri-border area of Sudan, Libya, and Egypt.
The RSF took over the gold-rich Triangle area in June 2025, causing worries in Cairo about the organization's increasing power near Egypt's southern border. Egypt has not made an official statement, but analysts believe these events indicate rising tensions regarding security and cross-border activities.
In line with the rising tensions, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty traveled to Port Sudan on Tuesday, emphasizing that Egypt views Sudan's unity as a "red line." This visit came after diplomatic talks with Gulf countries to align regional perspectives on Sudan.
A representative from the Sudanese government informed Ayin that the convoy in question had come from Libya, transporting military gear and foreign combatants, including individuals from Libya, who were meant to assist the RSF in their operations against the Sudanese armed forces.
It has been verified by sources that the majority of the individuals killed in the attack were foreign fighters who had been brought in by the RSF from Libya and Western Africa.
Experts note the strategic significance of the RSF's control over the border triangle. Researcher Mohamed Abbas stated to Ayin that since July, the RSF has utilized Libya's Kufra area as a supply base for fuel, weapons, and personnel—a development that led to increased vigilance by the Egyptian military.
Abbas mentioned that the RSF is also trying to position itself in Europe as an ally in addressing unauthorized migration, while keeping its military and economic presence in northern Darfur and the Triangle region.
2. Rapid Support Forces target Babanusa and shelling Dilling
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have increased their assaults in Kordofan, engaging in battles close to Babanusa in West Kordofan and conducting significant artillery attacks on Dilling in South Kordofan, resulting in civilian injuries and deteriorating humanitarian situations.
Local sources informed Ayin that fighters from RSF conducted limited ground attacks and drone strikes near the 22nd Infantry Division base in Babanusa earlier this week, while simultaneously gathering forces for a more significant offensive.
Under the leadership of Colonel Saleh Al-Futi, RSF forces have been gathering near Babnusa since taking control of El Fasher in North Darfur, aiming to seize one of the army's last remaining strongholds in West Kordofan.
At the same time, RSF and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North carried out the most intense shelling so far on Dilling last Friday, launching over 40 shells into residential areas and medical facilities, resulting in at least six deaths and a dozen others injured.
The allied troops are intensifying their blockade of Dilling from three sides—west, north, and east—positioned only seven kilometers from the city's heart.
Residents are describing worsening humanitarian situations due to a lack of food and medical supplies. The RSF is also gathering near El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, where numerous families are escaping in preparation for possible renewed conflict.
3. The future of a humanitarian ceasefire is unclear
Ongoing attempts to establish a humanitarian ceasefire between the conflicting groups in Sudan are still at a standstill, even though the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) stated they have accepted the proposal from the Quartet Mechanism last week. The army has yet to officially express its position.
Both groups continue to stay in Washington for unofficial U.S.-led discussions seeking to achieve a three-month truce.
The Sudanese Council of Security and Defence convened on Tuesday to address the ceasefire but did not reach any conclusion. Defence Minister Hassan Daoud Kapron stated that the government had acknowledged "genuine efforts" aimed at reducing civilian hardship and established a committee to define Sudan's stance on aid access and security stability.
The RSF mentioned that they endorsed the ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian assistance and protect civilians. They also urged for prompt discussions aimed at halting the violence and initiating a political process to tackle Sudan's ongoing challenges.
Nevertheless, military commanders Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Yasser al-Atta openly dismissed any ceasefire with the RSF, maintaining that hostilities should persist.
A US presidential advisor, Massad Boulos, stated that Washington continues to be hopeful about advancements in reducing tensions and achieving a peaceful resolution, despite concerns from observers that the level of trust between the involved parties is still very low.
4. UN expresses worries over military bases of RSF in Abyei
The creation of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) checkpoints in the northern part of Abyei has raised concerns within the United Nations, prompting calls for all armed groups to leave the contested border region between Sudan and South Sudan.
During a recent meeting of the UN Security Council, US delegate Michael Waltz expressed concern that Washington could reassess its backing for the peacekeeping operation in Abyei if both nations do not accelerate the administrative and security measures outlined in the 2005 agreement.
Local authorities told Ayin that RSF forces have been positioned near Abyei with South Sudanese factions, increasing tensions as both parties experience internal political pressure to maintain authority in the area.
UN Assistant Secretary-General Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee informed the Council that RSF and other armed groups have established unauthorized roadblocks in northern Abyei, while South Sudanese troops continue to be positioned in the southern region.
Experts worry that the United Nations' decreased financial support for peacekeeping operations could raise the likelihood of conflicts between Sudanese and South Sudanese military units.
Researcher Abdul Wahab Makki informed Ayin that the RSF's concentration near Abyei is a component of a broader plan to control land before any potential ceasefire, as the group aims to include the town in its military operations.
5. RSF aims to increase gold mining activities in Darfur
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intend to increase gold mining activities in Central Darfur, seeking to fund their "parallel government" and maintain their military efforts, according to reports from sources to Ayin.
From 2014 to 2019, RSF is said to have generated more than $3 billion from gold mined in Jebel Amer, located in North Darfur. In August 2025, conflicts between Port Sudan officials and Abu Dhabi led to a stoppage of gold shipments to the UAE, which had increased significantly during the war.
Political economist Mohamed Kamal informed Ayin that Hemedti's group is striving to establish dominance over Darfur's resources, especially gold, while drawing in businesses to function under the RSF administration.
He cautioned that private military organizations, such as Russia's Wagner Group, might take advantage of the circumstances to secure entry into Darfur's mining areas in return for military support.
Kamal mentioned that should peace negotiations fail, gold could emerge as the primary medium for foreign engagement in Sudan's war economy, intensifying outside involvement in the conflict.
6. The military forces and RSF engage in increasing drone strikes against each other
Sudan's ongoing conflict reached a new stage this week, with the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) increasing the use of drones in various regions, attacking both military and civilian locations.
On November 4, an RSF drone strike targeted a mourning event near Al-Ubayyid, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 individuals. On the same day, both parties reported shooting down each other's aircraft above Babnusa in West Kordofan.
Two days later, unknown drones targeted inhabited regions in Central Darfur, resulting in multiple civilian injuries, as reported by the RSF.
The RSF also carried out drone attacks on Damazin and Kurmuk in the Blue Nile area, where conflicts with the military have increased. On November 7, more than 15 RSF suicide drones attacked Omdurman and Atbara, but the army claimed all were shot down.
Ongoing drone incidents took place on November 10 and 11 in El-Obeid, Damazin, and Khartoum, with aid organizations expressing concerns over increasing dangers for local residents.
Experts note that the increase in drone attacks represents a major intensification, indicating a move toward prolonged air combat with minimal attention to civilian security.
7. Demonstrations break out in northern Sudan due to pollution from mining activities
Inhabitants of Abri in northern Sudan have organized fresh demonstrations targeting an international mining firm, which is alleged to have contaminated nearby water and air sources due to gold mining activities involving cyanide.
Protesters from six local communities carried signs criticizing environmental "interference," called for the company to shut down immediately, and requested an independent review of its activities.
A declaration from the "Youth of the Six" collective stated that the demonstration conveyed a message indicating that locals' tolerance has reached its limit, and that their right to health and access to clean water must be acknowledged.
Local sources informed Ayin that, despite earlier court decisions opposing the company, it restarted its activities with the support of authorities connected to the security forces.
The initiative is a component of a multi-year effort throughout northern Sudan targeting harmful mining practices, which locals claim jeopardize the well-being of coming generations.
8. Chad resumes operations at the Adré border checkpoint with Sudan
Chad has resumed operations at the Adré border point with Sudan following a 12-day shutdown that affected commerce and led to increased costs in Darfur.
Merchants in Central Darfur informed Ayin that the closure led to significant rises in food and fuel expenses, with sugar prices doubling in Zalingei.
The Adré passage, a vital trade route since the beginning of the conflict in Sudan, had been shut down following reports that RSF leaders enforced unauthorized fees on merchandise coming from Chad.
Local sources stated that the closure was partially driven by public frustration in Chad regarding RSF misconduct in El Fasher. While commercial movement was suspended, humanitarian assistance still managed to flow through.
Officials have recently permitted commercial activities to restart, alleviating supply issues in Darfur, although locals are still concerned about possible interruptions if conflicts along the border continue.
Copyright 2025 Ayin Network. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (okay1)
Tagged: Sudan, Conflict, Peace and Security, Governance, East Africa
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