Sudan: Ten soldiers dead in Darfur clashes November 26

Event

At least ten members of a Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were killed during clashes with militants in North Darfur state on Sunday, November 26. While the attackers have not yet been identified, reports say they were allied to militia leader Musa Hilal. Hilal was later arrested by authorities on Monday, November 27, and will be transferred to Khartoum.

Further clashes between militants and security forces are possible in the coming days in the Darfur region.

Context

The Darfur region, located in the west of the country, is affected by extremely poor security conditions. Fighting between rebel groups and government forces has been ongoing since 2003. Despite various peace agreements, including the current ceasefire, the government has failed to successfully dismantle various militia groups operating in the region. Rebel groups continue to fuel violence, creating one of the most alarming humanitarian crises in the world. Ethnic clashes are also frequent.

Advice

Many Western governments advise against nonessential travel to Sudan and against all travel to certain regions, including the five Darfur states, South Kordofan, Blue Nile, certain areas of North Kordofan, the Djebel Ouanat region, Dinder National Park, and Sennar state. Due to a high risk of terrorist activity, always be on guard when visiting sites that are potential terrorist targets (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).