The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is an armed group in Sudan that has engaged in armed conflict with the Sudanese military.
November 20, 2025
high
temporal
Identification of a principal armed actor in Sudan's internal conflict.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) was formed in 2013 from remnants of the Janjaweed militia.
November 05, 2025
high
temporal
Organizational origin of a Sudanese paramilitary group.
The RSF helped overthrow President Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and allied with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to stage a military coup in 2021.
November 05, 2025
high
temporal
Major political actions involving the RSF during Sudan's recent transitions.
U.S. intelligence assessments reported in 2025 indicated increased weapons transfers from the United Arab Emirates to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, including drones that were identified in imagery by Yale researchers.
October 28, 2025
medium
temporal
Intelligence assessment reported an increase in weapons transfers to the RSF, with drones identified in imagery analyses.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) originated from the Janjaweed militia that operated in Darfur during the early 2000s.
October 27, 2025
high
historical
Provides organizational lineage and historical context for the RSF in Darfur.
By 2025, the United States government, United Nations experts, and the Sudanese army had asserted that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied ethnic-Arab militias were committing genocide targeting African ethnic groups in Darfur.
October 27, 2025
high
allegation
Summarizes major international and national allegations concerning widespread atrocities in Darfur.
The Janjaweed militia later evolved into the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
October 06, 2025
high
organizational
Organizational evolution linking the Janjaweed militia to the formation of the RSF.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is a Sudanese rebel militia that has been accused of genocide.
January 01, 2025
high
temporal
Characterization of the RSF relevant to international law and humanitarian concerns.
In 2025, U.S. intelligence agencies, including the Defense Intelligence Agency and the State Department's intelligence bureau, reported an increase in transfers of materiel from the United Arab Emirates to the Rapid Support Forces; the reported materiel included Chinese-made drones, small arms, heavy machine guns, vehicles, artillery, mortars, and ammunition.
January 01, 2025
high
temporal
Summary of reported categories of weapons and equipment allegedly transferred to a nonstate armed group.
The city of Dilling in South Kordofan has been under siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since June 2023.
June 01, 2023
high
temporal
Prolonged siege affecting a regional city during the Sudan conflict.
An armed conflict between the Sudanese regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces began in April 2023.
April 01, 2023
high
temporal
Start date of the ongoing armed confrontation between Sudan's regular army and the Rapid Support Forces.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces have been engaged in armed conflict since April 2023.
April 01, 2023
high
temporal
Start date of the nationwide armed confrontation between the RSF and the Sudanese military.
The war between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese military began in 2023.
January 01, 2023
high
temporal
Describes the onset year of the armed conflict between two Sudanese armed actors.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are descended from the Janjaweed militias, and the Janjaweed militias were accused of committing genocide in Darfur in the early 2000s.
January 01, 2003
medium
temporal
Organizational origin of the RSF and historical accusations against predecessor militias.