Sudan is awash with weapons: how the two forces compare and what that means for the war

Smoke billows above residential buildings in Khartoum, Sudan, in April 2023. AFP via Getty Images

Armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has escalated following an outbreak of violence in April 2023. There is intensive fighting in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, neighbouring Omdurman and elsewhere, including Darfur.

While mediation efforts continue to stumble, both forces are sufficiently armed to sustain a protracted conflict. It’s unlikely either can topple the other.