This brief by the Sudan Protection Cluster is based on inputs from partners, community networks and other sources. It has not been possible to verify all the information below due to access constraints and telecommunications breakdowns.

Situation overview:

In early October, SAF initiated an offensive intended to re-take areas of Sennar and Jazira states over which RSF has exercised control since December 2023, in the case of Sennar, and since July 2024, in the case of Jazira. On 20 October, the defection of the RSF commander in Jazira state, Abu Aqleh Keikal, was announced. In the days that followed the defection, particularly over 23-24 October, intense clashes between RSF and SAF took place across multiple locations.