RULAC Classifies a New Non-International Armed Conflict in Sudan

2 May 2023

In addition to the ongoing non-international armed conflicts (NIACs) that oppose the Sudanese armed forces to a number of non-state armed groups in the country, our Rule of Law in Armed Conflict (RULAC) online portal just classified a parallel NIAC between Sudan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by General Hamadan.

Since the fighting between RSF and the Sudanese Army began on 15 April 2023, clashes have been reported across Sudan in Darfur, Merowe, al-Fasher, el-Obeid, Nyala, Kassala, Kabkabiya, the Red Sea city of Port Sudan, Gadariff, Damazin, and Kosti.

‘Both the intensity of these clashes, along with the level of organization of RSF allow us to conclude today to the existence of a NIAC – despite the adoption and extension of a ceasefire agreement as violence continues’ underlines Dr Chiara Redaelli, Research Fellow at the Geneva Academy.

‘As a consequence, international humanitarian law applies to these clashes and war crimes can be committed in this context’ she adds.

Information about the Parties, Classification and Applicable International Law

The entry on this conflict provides detailed information about this armed group, the classification and applicable international law.

About RULAC

The Rule of Law in Armed Conflicts (RULAC) online portal systematically qualifies situations of armed violence using the definition of armed conflict under international humanitarian law. RULAC also identifies the parties to these conflicts and applicable international law. It currently monitors more than 110 armed conflicts involving at least 55 states and more than 70 armed non-State actors.

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