Increasing number of villages torched across Sudan shows conflict is intensifying - report

Anouk Theunissen: ‘Since the conflict broke out last April, fire appears to have become a weapon of war, leading to mass displacement.’ Composite: X (formerly Twitter)

The number of villages in Sudan that have been destroyed or severely damaged by fire has risen sharply in recent weeks, suggesting the country’s conflict is intensifying as it enters its second year.

Satellite data revealed the number of Sudanese settlements set on fire in March increased to 30, the highest monthly total recorded since fighting broke out between the country’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) last April.