This footage depicts apparent Sudanese civilians exchanging gunfire with RSF elements as they defend an intersection with an array of small arms.

The video begins with a man in white bearing an AK on the near side of the intersection, firing down the street. A second shooter is using a tree as cover to the left of the intersection’s far side. At 0:30 we see the cameraman is behind a civilian who appears to have brought a double-barreled shotgun to the fight.

Despite the shouting and incoming fire, at 0:51, a man in a striped shirt somewhat casually strolls to take up a position to the left of the intersection. He makes a fast transition to the right as the fighter by the tree is narrowly missed by RSF fire. The near-miss prompts the fighter across the street to relocate, heading down the block to the cameraman’s left.

RSF (Quwwāt ad-daʿm as-sarīʿ) or Rapid Support Forces refers to a paramilitary organization that is now considered an independent rebel operation, despite having at one point been under the auspices of the Sudanese government. During such time as they were under government control, RSF took part in many human rights violations in Darfur, as well as the Khartoum Massacre of 2019, wherein allegations of their conduct include rape, murder, and pillaging, per sources which include BBC. This includes allegedly giving their victims the “cement shoes” treatment in the Nile. Note that this was before they splintered from the Sudanese government to pursue their own interests, which have included seizing Khartoum International Airport and gold mining. There have been alleged ties between RSF and Russia’s Wagner group, with it having been suggested that Sudanese gold is helping to finance Russia’s ongoing war.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

Need a tried-and-tested fixed blade that's trusted by police, military and protective service users all over the world? Cole recommends Ironside Edge Works for your tactical or EDC blade needs.