Sudan accuses Ethiopia of backing RSF in border clashes

There have been reports of intense and sustained fighting in the strategically significant border town of Kurmuk, located in Sudan’s Blue Nile State. The clashes, which have escalated in recent days, involve the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), along with their respective allied forces.

Although claims have circulated over the past twenty-four hours suggesting that the town may have fallen under the control of one side, there is still no independently verified or conclusive evidence confirming who holds authority over Kurmuk. Conflicting accounts from local sources have contributed to an atmosphere of uncertainty.

However, despite the lack of clarity regarding control of the town, there have been significant developments pointing to a possible widening of the conflict beyond Sudan’s internal dynamics. Sudanese officials, speaking to Sudan Tribune, have accused neighboring Ethiopia of directly supporting the RSF’s offensive in the area. According to one official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Ethiopia has provided logistical assistance to RSF-aligned forces operating near the border. These claims have not been independently verified, and Ethiopian authorities have not publicly responded to the allegations.

Ethiopia’s alleged involvement in Sudan’s ongoing conflict has drawn increasing scrutiny, as tensions between Khartoum and Addis Ababa continue to deepen. Sudanese authorities have recently issued a formal warning to Ethiopia, urging it to halt any activities that could be perceived as interference in Sudan’s internal war.

Last month, an investigation by Reuters reported the existence of a training camp located deep inside Ethiopian territory. According to the report, the facility has been used to train fighters aligned with Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), one of the principal parties in the conflict. The alleged presence of such a camp has raised serious questions about Ethiopia’s role in the war, although Ethiopian officials have consistently maintained that the country remains neutral.

The Reuters investigation further suggested that the camp’s operations were financed by the United Arab Emirates. Although Ethiopia’s government has not explicitly acknowledged the existence of the camp, a senior advisor to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has stated that Ethiopia will not remain “passive bystander” in the conflict.

The increasing accusations from the Sudanese government, along with its warnings, signal a deterioration in diplomatic relations between Khartoum and Addis Ababa. This development also comes at a time when the involvement of neighboring countries in the conflict is becoming more apparent. Last week, Chad deployed troops to a border town following a deadly drone strike, underscoring growing fears that the conflict could spill across borders and further destabilize the wider region.