The International Crisis Group posted on 24 July 2025 a 32-minute podcast titled "What Does Sudan's RSF Want?" with Alan Boswell and Sarra Majdoub, Sudan analyst.
Khartoum became a liability for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) where it lacked local support. Supply chains and recruiting became difficult and the RSF decided to pull out of the capital. Fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF has shifted to Kordofan and northern Darfur where the RSF is still a threat but does not have full control. The RSF is fighting to stay politically relevant.
The RSF is comprised of many different ethnic groups, which creates the possibility for internal divisions. It recently aligned with the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North and may be preparing to establish a separate government in Western Sudan. This could lead to a permanent state or only serve as a way to bargain with the SAF.
The RSF conducted drone strikes on the SAF in Port Sudan and elsewhere because it lost Khartoum and wants to send the message that it can reach the SAF anywhere. The RSF's supply chain in Darfur is challenging but it receives requirements through Chad, southern Libya, and by air bridge to Nyala. The RSF connection with the UAE is well known but Abu Dhabi is probably not in a position to dictate the RSF's future. The RSF wants to be treated as an equal partner in Sudan.
