Darfur Divisions Heal: RSF Gains Prompt Talks on Partition Prevention and Unity
In a dramatic turn of events that could mark a pivotal moment in Sudan’s protracted civil war, the Rapid Support Forces’ recent military advances in Darfur have sparked renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing the country’s partition and fostering national unity. The RSF’s capture of El Fasher, the last major city in North Darfur under Sudanese Armed Forces control, on October 26, 2025, has not only consolidated their hold over the western region but also prompted urgent calls from international bodies, regional powers, and Sudanese leaders for comprehensive peace negotiations. While the immediate aftermath has been marred by reports of violence and displacement, analysts suggest this shift in the balance of power may force both sides to the bargaining table, offering a glimmer of hope for healing deep-seated divisions in Darfur and beyond.
The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti. What began as a power struggle in Khartoum quickly spread to Darfur, a region scarred by decades of marginalization, ethnic tensions, and a previous genocide in the early 2000s that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Darfur’s vast territory, rich in resources yet plagued by underdevelopment, has long been a flashpoint. The RSF, originating from the Janjaweed militias accused of atrocities during the earlier Darfur conflict, has positioned itself as a defender of peripheral regions against central government dominance. Over the past two years, the war has displaced over 10 million people, triggered famine in parts of the country, and drawn in foreign actors, complicating resolution efforts.
The fall of El Fasher represents a strategic milestone for the RSF. After an 18-month siege that left the city isolated and its residents facing acute humanitarian crises, RSF forces overwhelmed remaining SAF positions and allied Darfuri armed groups in a three-day offensive. Eyewitness accounts describe intense fighting, with RSF deploying advanced drones, heavy artillery, and anti-aircraft systems, reportedly supplied by external backers despite international arms embargoes. The United Nations has expressed alarm over the civilian toll, with thousands fleeing on foot through treacherous desert terrain, many arriving in nearby towns dehydrated and traumatized. Humanitarian organizations report at least 26,000 displaced in the immediate wake, adding to the millions already uprooted across Sudan.
Yet, amid the chaos, voices for unity are emerging louder than ever. RSF leader Hemedti declared in a statement following the capture that “Sudan will be united whether by peace or by war,” framing the victory as an opportunity to rebuild a “new Sudan” free from the old regime’s grip. He emphasized that the liberation of El Fasher paves the way for national reconciliation, vowing to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid. This rhetoric, while contrasted by ground reports of detentions and reprisals, signals a potential openness to dialogue. On the other side, General al-Burhan, as Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, affirmed the army’s readiness for negotiations to “restore the country’s unity and dignity.” Speaking in Atbara on October 19, he welcomed genuine peace efforts but rejected any imposition that undermines Sudanese sovereignty.
International actors are seizing on these statements to push for talks. The United Nations Security Council, in a press statement on October 30, condemned the RSF’s assault on El Fasher but reiterated its commitment to Sudan’s “sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity.” The Council rejected the RSF’s parallel governing authority in Darfur and urged all parties to resume negotiations for a lasting ceasefire. It called for an end to external interference, implicitly criticizing arms supplies that have fueled the conflict, and demanded safe humanitarian access. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed this, highlighting how foreign weapons undermine political solutions.
Regional and global powers are also mobilizing. The “Quad” group—comprising the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates—convened in Washington on October 25 to discuss a roadmap for ending the war. Although progress was limited, forming a joint committee to monitor implementation, participants agreed on the need to build on previous frameworks like the Jeddah Declaration, which committed both sides to protecting civilians. Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met with al-Burhan earlier in the month to explore ceasefire options, underscoring Cairo’s concerns over border stability and refugee flows. Even Pope Leo, in a recent address, decried the violence and urged dialogue, calling for humanitarian corridors and expressing sorrow over mass killings.
Analysts argue that the RSF’s consolidation in Darfur could paradoxically accelerate unity efforts. With the country now de facto divided along an east-west line—the RSF controlling the west, including a parallel administration in Nyala, South Darfur, and the SAF holding the center and east—the risks of permanent partition are stark. This mirrors Libya’s divisions, where competing governments have prolonged instability. However, as Alan Boswell of the International Crisis Group notes, neither side can achieve total military victory. The RSF’s gains free resources for potential eastern advances, but they also expose vulnerabilities, such as reliance on transnational supply routes that could be disrupted by international pressure.
Preventing partition requires addressing root causes: ethnic grievances, resource inequities, and power-sharing. Darfur’s divisions stem from historical neglect, with non-Arab communities like the Zaghawa, Fur, and Masalit bearing the brunt of violence. The RSF’s alliances with Arab tribes have exacerbated tensions, leading to ethnically motivated attacks, as seen in Zamzam camp. Peace talks must include civil society, women’s groups, and Darfuri stakeholders to ensure inclusive governance. Previous accords, like the 2020 Juba Peace Agreement, provide blueprints but failed due to incomplete implementation.
Humanitarian imperatives add urgency. Famine threatens to spread from El Fasher, where siege tactics have starved populations. Aid groups like the World Food Program face obstacles, including SAF declarations against officials, jeopardizing relief for 24 million in need. A ceasefire would enable aid corridors, potentially building trust.
As Sudan stands at this crossroads, the RSF’s Darfur gains could be the catalyst for transformation. By prompting talks on partition prevention, they offer a chance to heal divisions that have festered for generations. Success hinges on genuine commitment from al-Burhan and Hemedti, backed by international enforcement of arms embargoes and support for a Sudanese-owned process. Failure risks entrenching a fractured state, but optimism persists that unity can prevail through dialogue rather than further bloodshed.
The path forward involves immediate steps: lifting sieges, protecting civilians, and convening inclusive talks under neutral auspices. With global attention refocused, Darfur’s healing could symbolize Sudan’s rebirth, turning military gains into diplomatic dividends for a united future.
