Compounding the conflict in Sudan, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced last week they had taken control of the border triangle shared by Egypt, Sudan, and Libya following the Sudanese Armed Forces’ (SAF) withdrawal. The SAF accused the Libyan Army, under the command of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, of supporting the RSF, which has been at war with the SAF for more than two years now.
The border triangle holds strategic significance due to its geographic location and abundant resources. While it could have served as a vital corridor for trade and cooperation among the three nations, it has become a zone of instability — now functioning as a conduit for the smuggling of people, weapons, and resources — and is at risk of turning into a haven for criminals, smugglers, armed groups, and terrorists.
Known as the Gabal Al-Uwaynat Triangle, the area has long been neglected due to its harsh terrain and sparse population. However, in recent years its economic and security relevance has grown with the discovery of gold and other minerals as well as its emergence as a major transit point for smuggling.
The SAF accused the RSF of taking control of the border triangle with the backing of Haftar’s forces, describing it as part of a broader regional conspiracy against Sudan, following failed attempts by the RSF to defeat the SAF in other areas. The Sudanese army asserted its right to respond, condemning Haftar’s involvement, and referring the matter to both the Arab League and the African Union. It added that the area was vacated as part of what it said were defensive measures aimed at repelling aggression.
The Libyan army denied its involvement in Sudan’s border affairs or internal conflict, stating that it has not interfered in Sudan’s Civil War. It dismissed the Sudanese Army’s claims of territorial seizure or alignment with one party to the conflict against the other as false, arguing that such accusations are an attempt to deflect attention from Sudan’s internal crisis by fabricating an external threat.
The RSF described its control of the border triangle as a qualitative victory that would open new fronts in the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, the Joint Forces, comprising armed movements allied with the SAF, said that the RSF and their Libyan allies would not be able to maintain control over the border triangle for long, describing the move as an attempt to raise the morale of RSF members following a series of defeats. The Joint Forces added that the primary aim of the RSF’s advance into the triangle was to obstruct military progress on the Kordofan fronts, which the allied forces aim to fully reclaim in the coming days.
Undoubtedly, clashes in the border triangle, coupled with the exchange of accusations between the Sudanese and Libyan armies, are exacerbating tensions in Sudan and raising the spectre of wider regional conflict.
The RSF’s seizure of the triangle represents a major shift in its favour, strengthening its military position, securing its rear, and enabling access to Sudan’s Northern State. RSF Commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (aka Hemedti) has previously threatened to launch attacks on the Northern State. Meanwhile, the Sudanese Army is unlikely to allow the RSF to consolidate control over the area, saying it will launch air strikes against RSF positions. The RSF’s deployment of long-range drones will further fuel the conflict.
The war in Sudan is now evolving into a regional conflict involving multiple regional and international parties, including Libya. Accusations of interference have previously been directed at Chad, Kenya, and other nations. Violence and retaliatory killings have intensified the crisis, especially after the Sudanese Army entered Al-Jazira State, leading to the death of several South Sudanese alleged to have collaborated with the RSF. This, in turn, provoked retaliation in South Sudan, where Sudanese nationals were reportedly killed.
Expanding the scope of the war is drawing in more foreign parties, leading to the destabilisation of Sudan and threatening international interests in the region.
At the same time, fights are intensifying between the SAF and RSF in Al-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State. Situated near the border triangle, Al-Fasher remains the last stronghold in Darfur where the army and its allied armed movements maintain a presence. The RSF is attempting to seize control of the city through attacks and heavy artillery bombardment.
Meanwhile, Sudan’s internal political landscape is facing challenges. Prime Minister Kamil Idris is having a hard time forming his long-anticipated government amid political tensions, disputes, and negotiations. Armed movements and blocs insist on securing their share of power. Furthermore, the leadership of the Tasees coalition — comprising the RSF and its allies and advocating the formation of a parallel government — find themselves entangled in their own internal power struggles.
This comes at a time when the Sudanese people are desperately awaiting a political breakthrough that might offer relief from the war’s devastating impact.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 19 June, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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