The civil conflict in Sudan, reignited in April 2023, has taken a more disturbing turn. Far from being a balanced war between two military entities, recent reports and eyewitness accounts suggest a grim reality that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have become the perpetrators of violence against their own people.
From a rare glimpse inside RSF-controlled territories, areas that are almost never covered by major international news outlets, we see a starkly different reality emerging. Citizens across the country are speaking out, calling the SAF, once seen as the guardian of the nation, a force consistently carrying out a coordinated campaign of terror against their own people.
In contrast, several civilians have noted that another paramilitary force, Rapid Support Forces – the Government of Peace and Unity have taken a visibly different approach. This approach centres on peace negotiations, civilian safety and calls for democratic transition.
According to locals, the RSF is fighting not for democracy or sovereignty but to preserve their grip on the country’s gold, finance and agriculture.
Residents further describe the SAF’s campaign as one of terror with allegations including the use of internationally banned weapons, including chemical weapons and supplied drones.
“In truth, since the beginning of the war, the Islamic Movement’s army has brought in some internationally prohibited weapons, which has resulted in losses among civilians in several cities. Honestly, we denounce, condemn, and reject this aggression. In any case, it must be stopped, and this assault by the Islamic Movement and the soldiers must be condemned,” stressed Mohammed Adam.
These tools of war have not been confined to battlefields only but directed at civilian spaces such as markets, homes and schools and leaving behind a trail of mass casualties.
One citizen said that SAF airstrikes had killed 25 of his neighbours in a single day while another described another attack, where dozens of children, women and elderly people lost their lives. These are not isolated incidents but part of what many call a systematic campaign against Sudanese communities.
“The aircraft have destroyed us, killed our neighbours, killed our children… The airstrikes hit our neighbours and killed twenty-five people. There are many dead. We are hoping for a new government that can protect us,” quoted Mohammed Ibrahim.
After two years of continued brutality against civilians, there have been growing and urgent calls for peace in Sudan by international organisations.
On the other hand, the Rapid Support Forces – the Government of Peace and Unity, are gaining unexpected support from civilians on the ground. This is largely because of their continued efforts to bring peace and unity in the country.
Reports claim that in recent months, the RSF leader has repeatedly participated in international peace efforts, called for ceasefires, and engaged with humanitarian agencies to secure aid routes.
In one of the interviews, one community member Mustafa noted that RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, has extended his hand for peace in every forum since the beginning of the war. “He is seeking peace, but the other party remains stubborn and refuses to negotiate,” he said.
While the SAF rejects dialogue and pushes for the unconditional disarmament of its opponents, the RSF has shown openness to compromise and accountability. Its leadership has emphasized the need for a civilian-led future and has urged international partners to support democratic transition efforts.
The narrative being presented by the citizens of Sudan is clear that the SAF, long seen as the defender of the state, is now viewed as an aggressor aligned with a regressive and militarized elite. Meanwhile, the RSF is beginning to be seen as a force willing to support peace and the people’s demand for change.
At present, there is an urgent need for the international community to confront these realities as Sudan is not simply at war, but it is being torn apart by a military that has turned on its own.
Disclaimer:
This article contains viewpoints and testimonies sourced from civilians and reports within conflict zones in Sudan. While every effort has been made to reflect these perspectives accurately, the situation on the ground is fluid and subject to change. The information presented, particularly concerning the actions of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), is based on eyewitness accounts and unverified claims that may not represent the full scope of the conflict. This article does not endorse any party or paramilitary group and is intended solely to highlight the voices of affected civilians. Readers are encouraged to consult multiple sources and official reports for a more comprehensive understanding of the conflict.