Sudan ​Conflict: Ongoing Crisis as of January 11,‌ 2026

The conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to⁢ escalate, marked by widespread violence, a ​severe humanitarian crisis, and stalled ⁤peace‌ negotiations ⁤as of January 11, 2026. Recent reports‍ indicate a meaningful increase in fighting ‌in ‍Khartoum‍ and Darfur, exacerbating the ‌already dire situation for civilians.

The Conflict’s Origins and Key Players

The conflict erupted on April 15, 2023, stemming from tensions over the integration​ of the ⁤RSF into the SAF, a key component of a planned transition to civilian rule following the 2021 coup.

Key Players: The primary​ belligerents are the Sudanese⁢ Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid‍ Support ‌Forces ​(RSF), commanded by general Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo⁤ (Hemedti). Other significant actors include‍ the Forces for Freedom and⁢ Change (FFC),⁣ a civilian coalition advocating for democratic transition, and various regional and ‌international mediators.

Example: The initial clashes began at the⁢ SAF headquarters‌ in Khartoum and the Merowe airport, quickly spreading to other parts of the capital⁣ and⁢ the Darfur‍ region. Reuters reported on the initial outbreak ‍of violence on April 15, 2023.

Current Military Situation (as of January 11, 2026)

Fighting remains concentrated in Khartoum, especially in densely populated areas, and in the Darfur region, specifically West‍ Darfur.The RSF has made gains in several areas, while the SAF maintains control of key infrastructure and government buildings. Recent ⁣reports suggest a renewed offensive by the SAF to retake territory ⁣lost to⁤ the RSF.

Detail: The conflict has evolved from initial clashes in Khartoum to a protracted war characterized by urban warfare,⁣ aerial bombardments, and widespread reports of human ‌rights abuses.The RSF’s control over ‌gold mines in Darfur provides a significant source of funding for the group, complicating ⁣efforts⁤ to achieve a ceasefire.

Evidence: Human Rights Watch has documented numerous instances of indiscriminate ‍attacks on civilians,sexual violence,and looting by both sides of the conflict. Satellite⁣ imagery analyzed by ‌ ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project) ‌ shows ‌a consistent increase in reported⁣ security incidents as ​December 2025, particularly in West Darfur.

Humanitarian Crisis

The‌ conflict has triggered⁣ a⁤ catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with ‍millions of ‍Sudanese displaced both internally and as refugees in neighboring countries. Access to‍ food, water, healthcare, and sanitation is severely limited, and the risk of famine is⁤ growing.

Detail: As of December 2025,the United Nations estimates⁣ that over 8 million people‍ have been displaced,with more than 1.5 million having fled to neighboring ​countries such as Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt. The healthcare system has largely collapsed, with many hospitals and clinics forced to close due to damage, lack of supplies, ⁢and staff⁣ shortages.

Example: ⁢ The World Food Programme (WFP Sudan) reports that ‍over 18 ⁢million‍ people – more than⁢ 38 percent of the population – face acute hunger. A ReliefWeb report (December 2025) details‍ the critical shortages of essential supplies and the ⁣challenges of delivering⁣ aid to affected populations.

Peace Negotiations and International‌ Response

multiple attempts at ​mediation, led by the African Union, IGAD (intergovernmental Authority on Growth), and the United Nations, ‌have failed to yield a lasting ceasefire. The SAF and RSF remain deeply divided on ⁣key issues, including the structure of the security forces and the timeline for a transition to civilian rule.

Detail: The international community has condemned⁢ the violence and called for a⁣ ceasefire,but efforts to impose sanctions or enforce a peace agreement‌ have been⁢ hampered by disagreements among major powers. The United States and Saudi Arabia brokered a ceasefire in Jeddah in May 2023, but it ​was repeatedly violated.

Evidence: The U.S.State Department (U.S. Department of State – Sudan) has imposed sanctions on⁣ individuals and entities ​responsible for undermining peace ‍and stability in Sudan. The UN Security Council has issued several ‌resolutions calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian access, but these have not been fully⁣ implemented. As of ⁣January 10, 2026, the African⁣ Union has announced a new initiative to restart peace talks in Addis Ababa, but the prospects for success remain uncertain.