Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Khartoum (Agenzia Fides) – A diplomatic crisis has erupted between the Sudanese and Ethiopian governments. The government in Khartoum accuses Ethiopia of enabling the capture of the border town of Kurmuk by militias of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allies in the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N). According to Sudanese government sources, Ethiopia allowed the RSF units to march through its territory, enabling them to attack the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) troops stationed in the town. Sudanese government officials had already made similar accusations in early February. At the time, they claimed that RSF and SPLM-N militants had infiltrated Blue Nile State through Ethiopian territory during an attack on Deim Mansour in the Kurmuk county.
According to Reuters research, the RSF has also established a training camp for its fighters on Ethiopian soil. Furthermore, weapons, ammunition, and other supplies for the RSF are reportedly being transported through Ethiopia. Opening new supply routes for the RSF is part of the United Arab Emirates' strategy to circumvent restrictions imposed by states that support the Sudanese government—most notably Egypt. Despite the difficulties caused by the war in Iran, the Emirates continue to support the armed group led by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, known as "Hemedti." In addition to Ethiopia and South Sudan, the RSF also receives supplies through the Central African Republic and Chad. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 24/3/2026)
