Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) carried out a coordinated drone assault on five power stations across the eastern region of the country on Monday, resulting in widespread electricity outages, a government official reported. The attacks targeted two power facilities each in Al-Jazira and Gedaref states, and one in White Nile state, causing significant disruptions to power supply in these areas.

All three affected states remain under the control of the Sudanese army, which has been engaged in ongoing conflict with the RSF since April 2023. The clashes between the two former allies have escalated into a protracted and violent struggle for control, severely impacting civilian infrastructure.

The United Nations has repeatedly expressed concern over the effects of such attacks on essential services, warning that the destruction of power stations exacerbates already dire humanitarian conditions. The disruption to electricity endangers health care provision and other critical services for millions, who are amid the world’s most severe hunger crisis.

Efforts to restore power and stabilize the situation continue, though the security environment remains volatile. The conflict between the army and paramilitary RSF has caused widespread displacement and hampered aid delivery across Sudan, compounding the challenges faced by the population.