Arabic version: القتال في السودان يغيّر السيطرة في النيل الأزرق وكردفان

According to Allafrica, ground fighting in Sudan has intensified on several fronts, shifting control in the Blue Nile and Kordofan regions while the army leadership pursues political dialogue in areas it controls. Ayin Network documented 55 ground battles between July 25 and August 17, with most occurring in North Kordofan and Blue Nile states.

The army expanded its control in Kordofan, where operations focused on securing the strategic road network. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured Kurmuk and Geisan in Blue Nile State, giving it near-total control of the Sudan-Ethiopia border. Fighting also flared near El Obeid in North Kordofan, as well as in North Darfur’s Um Buru area and West Darfur’s Bir Saliba corridor, 7 kilometres from the Chadian border.

Military expert Diaa El-Din Hussein said external relationships continue to supply weapons to both sides, making an end to the war harder while neither is willing to concede. Sources in Blue Nile said the RSF had access to drones with more precise targeting capabilities and advanced jamming equipment, though Ayin said it could not independently verify claims of increased military supply flights over Nyala.

The escalation has coincided with army commander Burhan’s announcement of political dialogue aimed at forming a government and legislative council in army-controlled areas. Political analyst Ali al-Dali said the RSF were seeking to secure Darfur and expand into Kordofan and Blue Nile, while Somoud member Babiker Faisal described Burhan’s initiative as a “cosmetic political process.”

Civilians have faced displacement and dangerous travel routes. The International Organization for Migration reported that violence in Geisan and Kurmuk displaced 14,000 people in Blue Nile State. Displaced people have crossed the Nile River toward Wad Al-Mahi, while land routes, including the Abu Zaghouli road near Damazin, have been affected by checkpoints and banditry.