Deadly RSF drone attacks reveal deep divisions between Sudan and Ethiopia

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Sudan accuses Ethiopia of RSF drone attacks, files UN complaint

   Sudan has accused Ethiopia of facilitating deadly RSF drone strikes launched from its territory, resulting in hundreds of civilian casualties. The Sudanese government filed formal complaints with the UN Security Council and African Union over the cross-border attacks, which have targeted the power grid and civilian areas. In response, Ethiopia expelled Sudanese diplomats and closed a consulate, indicating a hardening of diplomatic relations amid the escalating crisis.

   Why it matters

   The accusations deepen an already strained relationship between Sudan and Ethiopia, two neighboring countries with a complex history of border disputes and proxy conflicts. Since February 2026, RSF paramilitary forces have conducted one-way drone assaults that Sudan claims originate from Ethiopian soil, targeting critical infrastructure including the power grid. The conflict has raised regional concerns about escalation and potential broader involvement from international actors.

   What is confirmed

   • One-way drone attacks have killed or wounded 484 civilians since February, according to Sudan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
   • Sudan has lodged a complaint against Ethiopia with both the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council.
   • Ethiopia has ordered six Sudanese diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours and closed Sudan's consulate in the border town of Asosa.
   • Drone strikes hit Sudan's power grid, cutting electricity in multiple states.
   • Sudan's power grid is nears collapse as drone strikes are blamed on RSF targeting electric stations.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Evidence includes downed aircraft and military records showing RSF drone operations launched from Ethiopia.
   • Sudan's cabinet ordered maximum alert over RSF drone strikes.
   • Sudan accuses Ethiopia of supplying RSF with arms.

   What to watch next

   • UN Security Council or African Union response to Sudan's complaints
   • Further evidence of drone launch sites in Ethiopia or subsequent diplomatic expulsions
   • Extent of damage to Sudan's power grid and civilian infrastructure from continued attacks
   Sources used for this update (23)

   1. www.aljazeera.com — Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera
   2. www.arabnews.com — Arab News | Sudan says drone attacks from Ethiopia killed ...
   3. AP News — Sudan’s power grid nears collapse as drone strikes blamed on RSF target electric stations
   4. Sudan Tribune — Sudan cabinet orders maximum alert over RSF drone strikes
   5. Middle East Monitor — Sudan accuses Ethiopia of supplying RSF with arms
   6. Janes Defence Intelligence — Sudan claims numerous UAV attacks launched from Ethiopia
   7. Al Jazeera — Drone attacks extend campaign targeting Sudan’s power system
   8. Magzter — Sudan's electricity grid nears collapse | Los Angeles Times - newspaper
   9. Al Jazeera — Deadly RSF drone attacks reveal deep divisions between Sudan and Ethiopia
   10. Sudan Tribune — Drone strikes hit Sudan power grid, cutting electricity in multiple states
   11. NewsCord — Sudan Files UN And African Union Complaints Over Ethiopian-Territory RSF Drone Attacks: how 5 outlets framed it
   12. NewsCord — Sudan Lodges UN And AU Complaint Against Ethiopia Over RSF Drone Attacks: how 21 outlets framed it
   confidence 65%