Key points
- Understanding the Conflict in Sudan
- Visualizing the Sudan Conflict
Writers’ Room
The Sudanese Army's Intensified Campaign in Kordofan and Darfur
What this signals next — By Mara Quarterly
Renewed Military Effort: Escalation in Kordofan
The Sudanese army is intensifying its military campaign to regain control over Kordofan and Darfur, clearly focusing on displacing the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have entrenched positions in these regions. This escalation signifies a decisive moment in Sudan's ongoing conflict, as the army looks to consolidate its hold after the successful recapture of Khartoum State in 2025.
Reported by Al Jazeera on January 12, 2026, this military operation is said to be more extensive and strategically calculated than previous efforts, indicating a commitment to reclaim territories significantly impacted by the RSF’s activities. The Sudanese army is leveraging its established military might and the alliances it formed during prior operations, reflecting both tactical advancement and a drive to destabilize the RSF's control in vital areas.
Targeting the Rapid Support Forces
The current campaign centers explicitly on the RSF, a key player in Sudan's complex conflict landscape. As of January 2026, despite their mounting pressures, the RSF continues to wield substantial local support, crucial for their resistance efforts in Kordofan and Darfur. Reports highlight that the RSF remains entrenched in various regions, posing a significant challenge for the army's advance.
The Sudanese army is reportedly employing a multi-faceted strategy to weaken the RSF, utilizing its military might alongside forming coalitions with other factions discontented with the RSF's influence. As military actions intensify, humanitarian organizations express grave concerns that these escalations threaten to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. Already suffering from ongoing violence, the local population faces heightened risks of displacement and deteriorating living conditions as military operations unfold.
Humanitarian Impacts and Regional Dynamics
The renewed military effort raises critical questions about the humanitarian toll imposed on local populations. Historical precedents in Kordofan and Darfur reveal significant suffering catalyzed by armed conflicts amongst both state and non-state actors. The legacy of violence in these regions adds urgency to the current military campaign’s implications for civilians caught in the crossfire.
What it turns into (Top outcomes)
The Sudanese army is renewing a military effort to retake Kordofan, Darfur
Understanding the Conflict in Sudan
explainer_siteWhy it works: Provides context and background on the ongoing conflict, helping audiences grasp the complexities of the situation.
Why now: breaking momentum · 48h window
- Research the historical context of the Sudanese conflict
- Create a timeline of key events
- Share insights on social media
Visualizing the Sudan Conflict
video_trendWhy it works: Engaging visual content can capture attention and raise awareness about the situation in Sudan.
Why now: breaking momentum · 48h window
- Produce a short documentary or animated video
- Share on platforms like YouTube and TikTok
- Encourage discussions in the comments
Why it matters
Reports indicate that the Sudanese army is intensifying its operations against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), aiming to regain territory lost to these groups. This renewed effort appears more extensive than past operations that previously allowed for the retaking of Khartoum State, signaling a potentially larger and more sustained military engagement.
Scenarios
Best case
The Sudanese army successfully regains control of Kordofan and Darfur, leading to a decrease in violence and paving the way for diplomatic resolutions.
Base case
Military operations yield mixed results, with sporadic fighting continuing but no decisive outcomes, perpetuating instability in the region.
Worst case
The conflict escalates into a full-scale war, resulting in extensive casualties, heightened humanitarian crises, and regional spillover effects.
What to watch next
- Reports of troop movements and engagement levels in Kordofan and Darfur.
- Responses from the Rapid Support Forces, including potential counter-offensives.
- International reactions, particularly from neighboring countries and humanitarian organizations.
Confidence & momentum
Confidence reflects data quality. Momentum tracks acceleration versus baseline.
Sources
Related signals
Top 3 plays
Creator & Founder Playbook
Play 1
Create an Informative Video Series
With renewed military efforts in Sudan, there's a need for clear information on the conflict's background and current developments.
Next steps
- Outline key topics to cover in the series
- Gather visuals and data to support the narrative
- Launch the series on social media platforms
Professional copy
Play 2
Host a Webinar on Sudan's Current Situation
As the conflict escalates, there is a growing interest in understanding the dynamics at play.
Next steps
- Invite experts on Sudanese politics and military strategy
- Promote the webinar across social media
- Engage the audience with Q&A sessions
Professional copy
Play 3
Develop a Social Media Campaign for Awareness
With the renewed military efforts, raising awareness about the humanitarian impact is crucial.
Next steps
- Create impactful graphics and messages
- Engage influencers to amplify the campaign
- Monitor engagement and adapt strategies
Professional copy
For Journalists
Sudanese Army Intensifies Military Campaign in Kordofan and Darfur
Renewed efforts target paramilitary forces as control of strategic regions remains contested.
One-line summary
The Sudanese army is ramping up military operations to reclaim Kordofan and Darfur, focusing on combatting the Rapid Support Forces.
Background
Last year, the Sudanese army successfully recaptured Khartoum State after a series of military operations, which now appear to have evolved into a larger initiative aimed at Kordofan and Darfur.
What changed
The Sudanese military's renewed emphasis on a comprehensive offensive in Kordofan and Darfur marks a significant escalation in their strategic objectives following previous successes.
Why it matters
The outcome of this intensified campaign could affect regional stability and humanitarian conditions in affected areas, as well as international relations regarding Sudan.
Story angles
- Impact on civilians in Kordofan and Darfur
- Reactions from the Rapid Support Forces and their allies
- Potential international response to the renewed conflict
Questions to ask
- What are the implications for civilians in the conflict areas?
- How is the situation affecting humanitarian aid efforts?
- What strategies are the Rapid Support Forces employing in response?
Sources to check
- Al Jazeera
For Creators
Big Idea
The renewed military efforts of the Sudanese army in Kordofan and Darfur mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Hook: The Sudanese army is ramping up its campaign to reclaim Kordofan and Darfur — here's what you need to know.
Short-form concepts
- Current events analysis
- Military strategy breakdown
- Historical context of Sudanese conflicts
- Impact on civilian life in affected regions
Titles
- Sudan's Army Intensifies Conflict in Kordofan and Darfur
- What the Renewed Military Effort in Sudan Means
- Kordofan and Darfur: The Next Frontline in Sudanese Turmoil
Opening hooks
- In a bold move, the Sudanese army is launching a renewed effort to regain control of Kordofan and Darfur.
- As the Sudanese army escalates its military campaign, the stakes in Kordofan and Darfur couldn’t be higher.
- The battle for Kordofan and Darfur is heating up — but why now?
30s narration
The Sudanese army is ramping up its efforts to retake Kordofan and Darfur, targeting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. This renewed military campaign is said to surpass previous operations, including last year's recapture of Khartoum State. With tensions escalating, let's break down what this means for Sudan and its people.
60s narration
The Sudanese army is intensifying its military efforts to retake Kordofan and Darfur, focusing on the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. This renewed campaign could be the largest yet, even exceeding last year's successful operation in Khartoum State. The implications of this escalation are profound, affecting not just military outcomes but also the civilian population caught in the crossfire. As the situation develops, understanding the key dynamics at play is crucial for grasping the future of Sudan.
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