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April 11, 2025 – Sudan –
The ongoing conflict in Sudan took a deadly turn for press freedom and civilian life as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensified their use of drone strikes. In March 2025, a drone attack by the RSF killed four members of a Sudanese state television crew along with two military-affiliated journalists. The group was reporting near the presidential palace in Khartoum, shortly after the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) reclaimed the area from RSF control. The attack marked a direct blow to journalists covering the war on the ground.
The RSF’s drone campaign has grown more aggressive, targeting not just military positions but also civilian infrastructure. On May 14, RSF drones hit three major power stations in Omdurman, cutting electricity across the greater Khartoum area. These strikes have worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis by disrupting essential services like water and sanitation. Power outages in hospitals and homes have raised fears of increased disease outbreaks and further suffering for displaced populations.
Since the war began in April 2023, Sudan has seen over 13 million people displaced and tens of thousands killed. While the RSF initially relied on ground assaults and conventional arms, its recent pivot to drone warfare signals a strategic escalation. Strikes have even reached areas like Port Sudan—previously seen as relatively secure—broadening the conflict’s reach.
These developments have sparked diplomatic tension. Sudan severed ties with the United Arab Emirates, accusing it of supplying drones to the RSF—a claim the UAE denies. Meanwhile, other countries, including Egypt, Iran, and Kuwait, have publicly condemned the RSF’s drone strikes on civilian targets.
The death of journalists in these attacks highlights the increasing dangers facing media workers in conflict zones. International press freedom advocates have called for accountability and protection for reporters covering the war. As the RSF continues to rely on drones, the impact on both infrastructure and free press grows more severe, threatening not only Sudan’s fragile stability but also the region’s broader peace and security.
Reference –
https://sudantribune.com/article300950/
Sudan: News crew killed by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) drone attack
