Sudan

A news report examines why Sudan's civil war, which began in April 2023 between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, continues despite international mediation efforts. The piece explores the underlying political, ethnic and regional dynamics that keep the fighting going, drawing broad public attention as the humanitarian crisis in Sudan deepens.

Regional media are examining why ceasefire agreements in Sudan's civil war, from the US- and Saudi-brokered Jeddah talks to diplomatic efforts raised at the United Nations in New York, have repeatedly collapsed. Commentators point to continued fighting between the army and paramilitary forces, lack of enforcement, and weak international leverage over the warring parties.

Reporting is examining how smuggled gold and other resources are financing the civil war in Sudan, with revenues from illicit trade allegedly helping both warring sides sustain their fighters and buy weapons. The story highlights how Sudan's mineral wealth is being diverted through regional smuggling networks as the conflict continues to displace millions.

A United Nations official has called for increased funding as El Nino conditions threaten the Horn of Africa, a region still reeling from years of drought and food insecurity. The warning comes as governments and aid agencies brace for extreme weather that could worsen hunger across Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and neighbouring countries, with Sudan's conflict adding to regional strain.

Sudan is effectively governed by two rival powers, with the army-backed administration controlling much of the formal state apparatus while the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces rules territory under its control. Washington has signalled it recognises neither side as legitimate constitutional governance, leaving the country with authorities but no internationally endorsed government.

A former member of Sudan's cabinet has publicly called on army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to bring an end to the war gripping the country. The appeal adds to mounting pressure on Sudan's military leadership as the conflict, which began in April 2023 between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, continues to devastate the country and displace millions.

Sudan has rejected claims that it supports Ethiopian opposition movements, saying it remains committed to good relations with its neighbor and will protect its own sovereignty. The statement, carried by Anadolu Agency, comes amid ongoing tensions in the Horn of Africa, where accusations of cross-border interference have repeatedly strained ties between Khartoum and Addis Ababa.

Sudan's government says it will not yield to 'pressure or blackmail' after the United States refused to grant a visa to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, blocking him from attending the UN General Assembly in New York. The move escalates tensions between Washington and Khartoum amid the country's ongoing civil conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces.

The UN Security Council faces a Saturday deadline to renew the arms embargo on Darfur, Sudan, which would otherwise expire. German daily taz highlights the stakes, with discussion pointing to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, the United Arab Emirates' alleged role, and the war's spillover into Libya, Colombia and beyond. Commenters warn that letting the embargo lapse would further fuel the conflict.

Sudanese authorities say fires at fuel depots in Al Jazirah state, sparked by a drone strike attributed to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, have been put out. The attack on the depots comes amid the ongoing war between the army and the RSF, which has intensified fighting in Al Jazirah and raised concerns about damage to critical infrastructure and fuel supplies.

Religious leaders from the Nuba Mountains, representing both Christian and Muslim communities, have jointly called for an end to Sudan's war. Their appeal underscores a rare united religious front in a conflict that has devastated the region, with the joint message drawing attention amid ongoing fighting and humanitarian crisis.

Fires at fuel depots in Sudan have been extinguished following a drone attack, according to Anadolu Agency. The strike targeted fuel storage facilities, adding to the infrastructure damage from Sudan's ongoing conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces. No immediate details were given on casualties or the full extent of the damage, but fuel supplies are already scarce across the country.

Sudan's army has rejected claims from Ethiopian officials that it is backing an anti-government coalition, dismissing the allegations as baseless. The denial comes amid already strained relations between Khartoum and Addis Ababa, with observers warning the dispute could further complicate diplomatic ties and regional cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

The Sudanese army says it has shot down a fifth drone belonging to the Rapid Support Forces within a single week, according to regional reporting. The string of interceptions points to an intensifying aerial threat from the RSF in the ongoing conflict, and to the army's continued efforts to counter drone attacks on its positions.

A dispute with the United States over visa restrictions has reignited questions about the legitimacy of Sudan's de facto leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, according to a Sudan expert cited by The National. The row has drawn fresh attention to the general's authority amid Sudan's ongoing conflict and his government's strained relations with Washington.

South Sudan's government has amended the country's election law ahead of elections scheduled for December. Opposition groups have rejected the changes, raising concerns about the credibility of the vote in a country that has struggled to hold elections since independence. The dispute adds to tensions over the country's fragile political transition and timeline for democratic polls.

Reports say an AKINCI unmanned combat aerial vehicle, produced by Turkey's Baykar, shot down another drone in an aerial clash over Sudan. The incident marks a rare reported dogfight between UAVs and is drawing attention to the growing use of armed drones in Sudan's ongoing conflict, as well as Turkey's expanding defense footprint abroad.

Sudan is seeking international investment to modernise its Red Sea trade corridor, a key route for regional commerce centred on the strategically located Port Sudan. The push, reported by Sudan Tribune, signals an effort to attract foreign capital for infrastructure and logistics along the coast. It comes as Sudan faces significant instability, making outside investor interest far from guaranteed.

Sudan's Rapid Support Forces is reportedly extracting transit fees from oil flowing through Heglig, where production has reached 26,000 barrels per day. The development highlights how the paramilitary group is monetising control of key oil infrastructure during the country's civil war, raising questions about the future of Sudan's oil revenues, which are vital to both the state budget and exports via South Sudan's pipeline network.

Mohamed Salah has been left out of Egypt's squad for their match against South Sudan, with reports saying the decision was made over concerns about playing on artificial turf. The Liverpool forward's absence from the qualifier is a significant blow for Egypt, and fans are debating whether protecting the star from injury risk on a synthetic surface justifies him missing the fixture.

UNESCO is highlighting efforts to strengthen landslide preparedness in Sudan, moving from risk mapping to early action. The initiative focuses on identifying vulnerable areas and building early warning systems so communities can respond before disasters strike. It comes as Sudan faces overlapping humanitarian challenges, making disaster readiness an increasingly urgent priority for the country.

Reports say Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah has been given tight security and special importance from the United States, with coverage linking him to Donald Trump, Rabi Lamichhane and Sudan-related discussions. The story has drawn heavy attention among Nepali audiences, with tens of thousands of people engaging with the news as debate continues over what the special treatment means for Nepali politics.

Tanzania are taking on Sudan in the final of the CECAFA U20 championship, with the match being followed live by a large audience. The fixture pits two of East and Central Africa's strongest youth sides against each other for the regional under-20 title, and the live broadcast is drawing heavy engagement as fans track the score in real time.

Sudan and Ethiopia are meeting in an Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying match, with the game being broadcast live from Addis Ababa on FM Addis 97.1. The fixture is drawing heavy attention from Ethiopian and Sudanese football fans, who are following the live coverage and debating the teams' chances in the qualifiers for the continental tournament.

Government institutions in Sudan have told their employees to return to their workplaces by the end of October. The directive comes as authorities attempt to restore basic state functions amid ongoing disruption. There is little additional detail yet on enforcement measures or how civil servants displaced by the conflict are expected to comply with the order.

Malawi and South Sudan met in an Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualification match, with highlights drawing wide attention from football fans across Africa. The fixture matters for both sides as they fight for a place at the 2027 tournament, to be hosted in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Supporters are debating the result and what it means for each team's qualification hopes.