Ethiopian base linked to Sudan war operations, Yale investigation finds

A remote military base in western Ethiopia has emerged as a central node in the rapidly expanding geography of Sudan’s war, according to an investigation by the Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL).

Drawing on months of satellite imagery and open-source analysis, the Yale HRL report concludes “with high confidence” that activity consistent with military support to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) took place at an Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) base in Asosa between late December 2025 and March 2026.

The findings point to both logistical assistance and an operational role. The report describes “clear visual evidence over a five-month period that RSF is basing its attacks on Blue Nile State, Sudan, from inside Ethiopian sovereign territory.”

The investigation traced the evolution of activity at the Asosa base beginning in late 2025. It documents the arrival of cargo trucks, followed by a steady flow of commercial vehicle carriers transporting light “technical” vehicles, pickup-style commonly used in Sudan’s three-year conflict. These carriers, notably distinct from standard Ethiopian military transport equipment, repeatedly delivered unarmed vehicles bearing markings inconsistent with ENDF use.

Crucially, the report documents what appears to be the transformation of these vehicles into combat assets. Satellite imagery shows rows of elongated objects, each roughly 1.6 meters in length, positioned near the technical vehicles. According to the report, these objects are “consistent with the length of a gun barrel, including the .50-caliber machine gun often used by RSF.”

Since the conflict in Sudan erupted, Ethiopia’s role has remained ambiguous. Initially, Addis Ababa presented itself as a neutral actor that could mediate between the warring factions. However, in recent months, reports of Ethiopia’s involvement have been increasing.

It was in February when Reuters reported the existence of a military base in the Benishangul-Gumuz region. The Ethiopian government did not comment on the report. However, a senior adviser to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that Ethiopia would not be a “passive bystander” in the conflict.

Subsequently, Sudanese officials began accusing Ethiopia of supporting the Rapid Support Forces. Following a drone strike that penetrated deep into Sudanese territory, Sudan alleged that the drone had originated from Ethiopia. More recently, when the RSF launched a massive offensive against positions of the Sudanese Armed Forces along the strategic border town Kurmuk, Sudanese officials speaking to Sudan Tribune accused the Ethiopian government of supporting the operation.

Another key regional actor widely documented in credible investigations as being involved in the Sudan conflict is the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Although Abu Dhabi denies any involvement, multiple credible investigations have implicated it. Notably, the Reuters investigation reported that the alleged military camp was financed by the UAE.

Ethiopia remains a major regional ally of the UAE. During the recent war involving Iran and the U.S.–Israel alliance, when Iran targeted locations in the UAE, claiming they were linked to U.S. military assets - Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was among the few world leaders to visit Abu Dhabi in a show of solidarity.

Although Ethiopia has not officially commented on the growing body of reports, its alleged involvement risks further regionalizing and internationalizing the Sudan conflict, a conflict that has increasingly been described as bordering on genocidal violence.