New RSF advances in West Kordofan deepen the Sudan conflict, raising urgent questions about truce efforts and the path to peace
Sudan’s ongoing conflict took another sharp turn this week after the RSF announced that it had taken full control of Babanusa, a key transport hub in West Kordofan. The town sits in an important oil-producing region, making the victory both strategic and symbolic for the paramilitary group.
In a public statement, the RSF said its fighters captured the area after repelling what it described as a surprise Sudanese army attack, calling the move a violation of the newly announced humanitarian truce. The group referred to the takeover as the “liberation of Babanusa”, marking yet another major point of control in the wider Sudan war.
Earlier in November, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Saudi Arabia proposed a three-month truce followed by peace talks. The coalition, widely known as the Quad, pushed the warring parties to halt fighting long enough to open space for negotiations.
While the RSF publicly agreed to the plan, it quickly launched drone strikes on army positions, raising doubts about its commitment to the ceasefire framework. The latest assault on Babanusa appears to reinforce that uncertainty.
The RSF has been gaining territory for months. Its capture of Al-Fasher in October removed the Sudanese army’s final stronghold in Darfur, shifting the balance of power across the region. The takeover of Babanusa now deepens that momentum, suggesting the conflict is far from winding down.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated further when former US President Donald Trump stated on November 19 that he intended to intervene to stop the fighting, though no details were provided.
For civilians caught in the middle, each shift in frontlines brings new uncertainty. Humanitarian groups warn that continued clashes could worsen already severe displacement, hunger and medical emergencies across the nation.
As developments unfold, the world is watching closely. The struggle for control, the slow progress toward peace, and the rising regional involvement all shape what could become a defining chapter in Sudan’s modern history.
If you found this update helpful, follow our coverage, share the story, or join the conversation to help keep attention on Sudan’s unfolding crisis.