*Control of Sudan is currently divided between the army, which holds Khartoum and the eastern regions, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which control the west. The risks of long-term partition and the spillover of the conflict beyond Sudan’s borders continue to increase. A key question remains: Is Sudan heading toward a permanent division?*

*COMPREHENSIVE SUMMARY OF THE REPORT ON THE WAR IN SUDAN (AS OF APRIL 2026)*

Sudanese voices Friday/24/ April [Sudanese Voices follow up] *Control of Sudan is currently divided between the army, which holds Khartoum and the eastern regions, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which control the west. The risks of long-term partition and the spillover of the conflict beyond Sudan’s borders continue to increase. A key question remains: Is Sudan heading toward a permanent division?* The war, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, continues without a decisive military outcome. The country has effectively split into two zones of control, with the army holding the capital, the east, and the Nile corridor, while the RSF dominates Darfur and parts of the west. The most intense fighting is currently concentrated in Kordofan, raising concerns about a lasting fragmentation of the state. The conflict has been further intensified by external powers supporting both sides, turning Sudan into a stage for regional and international competition. On the humanitarian level, Sudan is experiencing what is described as the world’s worst crisis. Around 14 million people have been displaced, including about 4 million refugees outside the country, while over 20 million face acute food insecurity. Severe violations, including mass killings and sexual violence, have been reported in areas such as El Fasher, alongside a near-total collapse of state institutions and the deterioration of Khartoum into an uninhabitable city. Diplomatically, peace efforts are led by the quads. (the United States, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt), but progress has been limited due to internal disagreements, particularly between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Although a roadmap proposed in September 2025 included a *humanitarian* ceasefire and a political transition, it has not been implemented due to rejection by the army and competing regional interests, as well as broader international distractions linked to other Middle Eastern conflicts. In terms of possible solutions, the report emphasizes the need for stronger international coordination, especially from the United States, to reach agreement among regional powers on Sudan’s post-war political future. It also calls for parallel negotiation tracks involving Horn of Africa states and regional organizations, alongside sustained pressure on both warring parties to agree to a ceasefire. Despite the difficulties, continued *diplomatic* engagement is seen as essential to preventing further escalation and regional spillover. *Key Points:* Sudan is effectively divided between the army (east and Khartoum) and the RSF (west and Darfur), with major fighting in Kordofan. No military victory is in sight, increasing the risk of permanent fragmentation. The humanitarian crisis is the worst globally, with mass displacement, famine risks, and serious abuses. External actors support both sides, deepening and prolonging the conflict. Peace efforts through the Quad’s are stalled due to regional disagreements. A settlement requires international coordination and real pressure to end the war and launch a political process.