The already volatile situation in Sudan worsened after a Russian cargo plane was reportedly shot down in Darfur, marking another grim chapter in the civil war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The aircraft, identified as an Ilyushin Il-76, was on a mission to deliver essential medical supplies and equipment to the besieged city of El-Fasher, a stronghold still under army control.
Military sources and local reports suggest that the plane crashed near the Malha area, close to the border with Chad. Conflicting reports have emerged about the cause of the crash, with the RSF claiming they downed the plane, while others indicate it might have been due to a technical malfunction. Viral footage shared by the RSF shows soldiers displaying identification documents allegedly found at the wreckage, including a Russian passport and other international identification cards. These documents suggest the involvement of foreign nationals, raising questions about the plane’s origins and mission.
The Russian embassy in Sudan is currently investigating the incident, working closely with Sudanese military officials to determine the exact cause. In a statement, the embassy expressed deep concern about the loss of life, with reports indicating that both Russian and Sudanese crew members were aboard the aircraft.
This crash adds another layer of complexity to the already deadly conflict, which erupted in April 2023 and has since created one of the worst humanitarian crises globally. According to estimates, more than 150,000 people have lost their lives, while millions have been displaced from their homes. The ongoing battles between the army and the RSF have ravaged key cities, including El-Fasher, which remains under siege.
As the civil war continues to rage across Sudan, diplomatic efforts to mediate a ceasefire have thus far failed. The international community watches as both the army and the RSF escalate their tactics, including airstrikes and territorial assaults, making the situation increasingly dire for civilians trapped in conflict zones. The downing of the Russian plane serves as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of peace and the dangers faced by those involved in humanitarian and military missions in the region.
