Sudan: RSF claims full control of town near the Ethiopian border

KHARTOUM – Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) said Thursday they had taken full control of Geissan in the Blue Nile region near the Ethiopian border, a claim disputed by the Sudanese army, which said fighting was still underway and that it retained control of a key military base.

The fighting has displaced around 2,500 people, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with some civilians crossing into Ethiopia to escape the violence.

The offensive came during the harvest season, with the RSF accused of looting crops and ransacking Geissan’s central market. The allegations could not be independently verified.

Geissan’s strategic location gives the RSF greater influence over supply routes in southeastern Sudan and brings it closer to the strategically important Roseires Dam.

Khartoum has also accused Ethiopia of facilitating military support from the United Arab Emirates to the RSF, allegations that Addis Ababa has denied. Analysts say the offensive could be aimed at stretching the army’s forces as it makes gains on other fronts in Sudan’s war.

GAROWE ONLINE