Sudan’s Kurmuk Falls: SPLM-N, RSF Expand Operations

Intensified Fighting Erupts in Sudan’s Blue Nile State as Rebel Alliance Advances

Ed Damazin, Sudan – March 26, 2026 – A significant escalation of military operations is underway in Sudan’s Blue Nile State, with an alliance between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) expanding their offensive. On Thursday, the rebel coalition launched coordinated attacks across vast swathes of territory to the south, east, and west of Ed Damazin, the state capital.

A regional government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the alliance, reportedly spearheaded by senior SPLM-N commander Joseph Touka, a loyalist to leader Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, has redirected its forces towards the Geissan district. This area lies adjacent to the border with Ethiopia, adding a significant geopolitical dimension to the ongoing conflict.

The strategic advance on Geissan follows the rebel alliance’s successful capture of the crucial border town of Kurmuk just three days prior. Both Kurmuk and Geissan are situated in the southeastern part of Blue Nile State, with Kurmuk approximately 150 kilometres from Ed Damazin and Geissan approximately 200 kilometres further southeast. The proximity of these captured towns to the state capital has raised serious concerns about the security of Ed Damazin itself.

Mounting Threats to Key Infrastructure

The situation on the ground is precarious, with regional authorities issuing stern warnings. The source indicated that Geissan is now considered to be at high risk of falling into rebel hands. Such a development would not only pose a direct military threat to Ed Damazin but also create a significant danger to the Roseires Dam. This dam is Sudan’s second-largest hydroelectric facility, and its potential disruption could have devastating consequences for the nation’s power supply and economy.

Government officials have also reported that rebel forces have initiated drone attacks targeting the Sali area within the Kurmuk district. This offensive manoeuvre suggests a deliberate strategy to advance towards the regional capital from the south, tightening the noose around Ed Damazin.

Rebel Forces Consolidate Gains

Further evidence of the alliance’s expanding control emerged on Thursday with the release of video footage by the RSF and SPLM-N. The accompanying reports claim the footage depicts their fighters in firm control of Magaja, a town located in the Baw district, west of Ed Damazin. The visual evidence, according to the rebels, shows soldiers occupying government buildings in the captured area, signaling a tangible shift in territorial control.

The historical significance of Kurmuk and Geissan as flashpoints of conflict cannot be overstated. These border towns have been contested territories for decades. They were notably captured by the SPLM under the leadership of John Garang during the previous Sudanese civil war, only to be reclaimed by the Sudanese army on multiple occasions. This historical context underscores the strategic importance of these locations and the potential for protracted and intense fighting.

Humanitarian Concerns Mount Amidst Intensifying Operations

The intensification of military operations across multiple fronts in the Blue Nile region has also ignited significant humanitarian concerns. Sources within the humanitarian aid community anticipate a substantial surge in displacement as the conflict escalates. Civilians caught in the crossfire are likely to flee their homes in search of safety, placing immense strain on already stretched resources and aid organizations.

Compounding the humanitarian crisis, information suggests that Ethiopian authorities have maintained a closure of their border with Kurmuk for approximately two months. This prolonged closure has reportedly prevented displaced Sudanese nationals from seeking refuge in neighbouring Ethiopia, leaving them with limited options for safety and assistance. The ongoing conflict and border restrictions present a formidable challenge for the civilian population of Blue Nile State.