Khartoum, Sudan — In a dramatic escalation of Sudan’s ongoing conflict, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) declared victory over the strategic city of Babanusa in West Kordofan state, marking a significant strategic gain in their power struggle against the Sudanese army.
The RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, announced on December 1, 2025, that they had successfully repelled an attack by the Sudanese army and taken full control of Babanusa. They described the operation as a “liberation” and accused the army of violating a humanitarian truce. However, the Sudanese army refuted these claims, stating that they had repelled the RSF’s attack and maintained control of the city.
Babanusa, a crucial transport hub in the oil-producing region of South Sudan, holds strategic importance as a junction linking western Sudan to the east and north. Its capture by the RSF strengthens their control over West Kordofan, a vital region bordering South Sudan’s oil-producing areas.
This victory follows the RSF’s capture of El Fasher in October, which granted them control of all of Darfur and parts of Kordofan. The conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese army stems from a power struggle between their respective leaders, General Dagalo and General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan. The US, UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia had proposed a truce and peace talks in November, but the situation remains tense.
The capture of Babanusa and the fall of El Fasher have deepened Sudan’s humanitarian crisis. The fighting in the Kordofan region has displaced a large population, and the siege of Babanusa resulted in casualties and displacement.
Experts warn that the RSF’s increasing control over strategic regions could further destabilize the country and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. The conflict’s impact on the economy, particularly the oil sector, is also a matter of concern.
“This is a critical moment for Sudan,” said Dr. Aisha Hamid, a Sudanese political analyst. “The RSF’s control over Babanusa and other key regions could lead to further fragmentation and violence, further complicating the humanitarian situation.”
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The capture of Babanusa is a stark reminder of the challenges ahead in restoring stability and peace to Sudan.
Source: aljazeera
Additional reporting by ImNews
