Russia Probes Allegations of Cargo Jet Shoot-Down by Sudan's Rapid Support Forces in Darfur

Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claimed on Monday to have downed a cargo plane in Darfur's remote western region. Russian diplomats are investigating the incident in the conflict zone. Limited details about the alleged shoot-down are available. Mobile footage shows debris and fighters displaying identity documents reportedly from the crash site.

A message from Russia's Embassy in Khartoum confirmed that diplomats are probing the incident in Sudan's Malha region, near Chad's border. The embassy indicated that Russians might have been aboard the aircraft. The RSF, engaged in conflict with Sudan's army since April 2023, has not yet responded to requests for comments.

Conflict and Allegations

The RSF claimed responsibility for downing a "foreign warplane" allegedly supporting the Sudanese military. The paramilitary group accused the aircraft of dropping "barrel bombs" on civilians but provided no evidence. "All foreign mercenaries aboard the aircraft were eliminated in the operation," stated the RSF.

Since the conflict began, over 24,000 people have died, according to Armed Conflict Location and Event Data. The Sudanese army is intensifying its offensive near Khartoum while allied forces clash with the RSF in Darfur.

Historical Context

Sudan has faced instability since a popular uprising led to the ousting of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019. A brief transition to democracy was disrupted when two generals, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan and Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo of the RSF, staged a military coup in October 2021. They began fighting each other in 2023.

Al-Bashir faces charges at the International Criminal Court for orchestrating a genocidal campaign in Darfur during the early 2000s with the Janjaweed militia, which later evolved into the RSF. Rights groups and the United Nations report that RSF and allied Arab militias are again targeting ethnic African groups in this ongoing conflict.

The situation remains tense as both sides continue their offensives, contributing to further instability and humanitarian concerns in Sudan. The international community watches closely as efforts to investigate incidents like this recent plane shoot-down unfold amidst ongoing violence.