Sudan Sources Say South Sudanese Among Captured RSF Members as War Rages

As Sudan’s devastating conflict grinds on with no clear end in sight, new revelations from local and regional sources suggest that some of the fighters captured from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are South Sudanese nationals. The claim adds a complex regional dimension to a war that has already shattered Sudan’s social fabric, displaced millions, and destabilized the Horn of Africa.
A War That Refuses to End
The war in Sudan erupted in April 2023, pitting the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the RSF, a powerful paramilitary group that grew out of the notorious Janjaweed militias. What began as a power struggle between rival military leaders quickly spiraled into a nationwide conflict. Cities such as Khartoum, Omdurman, El Fasher, and Nyala have witnessed relentless fighting, while civilians have borne the brunt through killings, looting, sexual violence, and forced displacement.
According to the United Nations, Sudan is now facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Millions have fled their homes, food insecurity is widespread, and health systems have collapsed in many regions. Against this grim backdrop, reports of foreign nationals among RSF fighters have raised alarm bells in both Sudan and neighboring countries.
South Sudanese Fighters: What the Sources Say
Sudanese military and security sources claim that several RSF members captured during recent clashes identified themselves as South Sudanese citizens. Some reportedly spoke local South Sudanese languages, while others allegedly admitted crossing the border to fight in Sudan in exchange for money.
While independent verification remains difficult amid ongoing hostilities, analysts say the reports are plausible. Sudan and South Sudan share a long, porous border stretching over 2,000 kilometers, much of it poorly monitored. Communities on both sides are historically interconnected through trade, migration, and shared ethnic ties, making cross-border movement relatively easy.
Why Would South Sudanese Join the RSF?
Experts point to several factors that could explain the presence of South Sudanese nationals among RSF ranks. Poverty and unemployment remain severe in South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, which has struggled with instability and economic hardship since gaining independence in 2011. For some young men, the promise of payment, food, or weapons may outweigh the risks of joining a foreign conflict.
Additionally, armed groups in the region have long recruited fighters beyond national borders. The RSF, with its significant financial resources derived from gold mining, smuggling networks, and external support, is believed to have the capacity to attract mercenaries or informal recruits from neighboring states.
Regional Implications and Rising Tensions
The involvement—real or perceived—of South Sudanese fighters risks straining already fragile relations between Khartoum and Juba. South Sudan officially maintains a policy of neutrality in Sudan’s conflict, repeatedly calling for dialogue and peace. The government in Juba has denied any state involvement and has urged its citizens not to participate in foreign wars.
However, Sudanese public opinion has reacted sharply to the reports. On social media and in local commentary, some Sudanese accuse neighboring countries of fueling the conflict, intentionally or otherwise. Such narratives could inflame xenophobia and complicate diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.
The RSF’s Transnational Nature
The allegations also highlight the increasingly transnational character of the RSF. Unlike a conventional national army, the RSF operates through flexible networks that blur the lines between militia, business enterprise, and criminal organization. Its recruitment methods, funding sources, and alliances extend beyond Sudan’s borders, making the conflict harder to contain.
This transnational aspect worries international observers, who fear the war could further destabilize an already volatile region. The Horn of Africa has seen overlapping conflicts in Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan, and Sudan’s war threatens to become another node in a wider web of insecurity.
Humanitarian Costs Continue to Mount
While debates rage over the nationality of captured fighters, civilians continue to suffer. Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed, aid convoys looted, and humanitarian workers targeted. In Darfur, reports of ethnic violence echo the horrors of the early 2000s, raising fears of mass atrocities.
The capture of RSF fighters, South Sudanese or otherwise, does little to ease the suffering of ordinary people. Instead, it underscores how deeply entrenched and multifaceted the conflict has become.
Calls for Accountability and Peace
Human rights groups stress that all fighters involved in abuses must be held accountable, regardless of nationality. They argue that focusing solely on foreign involvement risks distracting from the core issue: a brutal power struggle that has devastated Sudan and robbed millions of their future.
International mediators continue to push for ceasefires and negotiations, but efforts so far have failed to produce lasting results. As the war drags on, the revelation of foreign fighters serves as a stark reminder that Sudan’s conflict is no longer just a domestic crisis—it is a regional one.
Conclusion
The reports that South Sudanese nationals are among captured RSF members add a troubling new layer to Sudan’s ongoing war. Whether driven by economic desperation, regional instability, or the RSF’s far-reaching networks, their alleged involvement highlights the conflict’s expanding footprint. As fighting rages on, the urgent need for peace, accountability, and regional cooperation has never been clearer. Without decisive action, Sudan’s tragedy risks spilling even further beyond its borders, with consequences the region can ill afford.