Khartoum, Sudan — In a contentious development that has sparked intense debate across Sudan, the Sudanese army has categorically dismissed assertions by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that they have taken complete control of the strategically significant city of Babanusa. This city, located in West Kordofan state, serves as a vital transportation hub and is the site of Sudan’s largest dairy plant.
On December 1, 2025, the RSF issued a bold statement, declaring their successful capture of Babanusa, a move they described as a response to a “sudden offensive” by the Sudanese army. This offensive, according to the RSF, was a breach of a humanitarian truce. However, the Sudanese army has steadfastly rejected these claims.
The city of Babanusa’s strategic importance cannot be overstated. It is a railway junction that links numerous regions of Sudan and is home to a critical dairy plant, which plays a pivotal role in the country’s food security. The ongoing conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in the Kordofan region has been a source of escalating tensions and has had severe humanitarian repercussions.
Since January 2024, the conflict has led to a dire humanitarian situation, with civilians in Babanusa facing acute shortages of essential supplies and services. The fighting has displaced a significant portion of the population, exacerbating the already strained humanitarian crisis.
The RSF’s alleged seizure of Babanusa follows their successful capture of Al Fashir in October 2025. This advance has raised concerns about the RSF’s expanding influence and control over key areas in Sudan. The RSF’s assault on Babanusa also came despite the announcement of a three-month humanitarian truce, further deepening the controversy surrounding the situation.
In November 2025, the Sudanese army successfully repelled an RSF attack on Babanusa. However, the RSF had previously failed to establish control over the city but maintained a siege since January 2024. This indicates the city’s significance as a focal point in the ongoing conflict.
The situation in Babanusa is not just a local issue but has broader implications for the stability and security of Sudan. It highlights the challenges of maintaining peace in a region fraught with conflict and underscores the urgency for a lasting resolution to the ongoing crisis.
Expert opinions from research indicate that the conflict in Kordofan is part of a larger power struggle within Sudan. Analysts warn that the continued stalemate could lead to further escalations and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
In conclusion, the conflicting claims over Babanusa underscore the complexities of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the parties involved will navigate this delicate balance of power and what impact it will have on the civilian population and the country’s future.
Source: aljazeera
