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A Sudanese governor aligned with the army has accused Ethiopia of supporting a recent offensive in the country’s south, following claims by paramilitary forces that they had captured a key border town, Kurmuk.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been locked in conflict with Sudan’s military since 2023, said on Tuesday that they and allied fighters had taken control of Kurmuk and the surrounding areas in Blue Nile State after intense fighting.
Reacting to the development, Abdelatty al-Faki, governor of Kurmuk province, alleged that the attackers operated from Ethiopian territory and received backing from Addis Ababa.
He described the situation as an invasion, insisting that the assault originated from across the border.
“The forces that attacked Kurmuk set out from inside Ethiopian territory and are supported by Ethiopia,” he told AFP.
“We’re dealing with an invasion.”
Faki, who spoke from the state capital, Damazin, said hundreds of displaced residents had already fled the violence, with 433 families arriving in the city, while others remained stranded or had crossed into Ethiopia seeking refuge.
The conflict in Sudan, which began in 2023 between the army and the RSF, has left tens of thousands dead and forced millions from their homes, creating one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.
Blue Nile State, which borders both Ethiopia and South Sudan, remains contested between the military and factions aligned with the RSF, including elements of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North.
Sudanese army-linked authorities have previously accused Ethiopia of allowing its territory to be used as a base for RSF operations, including alleged cross-border drone attacks.
However, Ethiopia has denied any involvement or support for the paramilitary group.
