Sudan/Libya: Clashes in Libya between rival Sudanese forces

According to the Sudan Tribune reporting on 22 June 2024, violent clashes occurred between the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army led by Minni Minawi (SLM/A-MM) and defectors from the Revolutionary Awakening Council loyal to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) inside Libyan territory, resulting in deaths and injuries on both sides.

World Watch Research analyst Yonas Dembele comments: “The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been causing significant instability in the country and resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis. The reported clashes in Libyan territory, if confirmed, would indicate a significant expansion of the conflict beyond Sudan’s borders. The spread of conflict into neighboring countries like Libya could further destabilize an already volatile region, potentially drawing in more actors and complicating efforts to resolve the conflict. Libya has been experiencing political instability and factional conflicts since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Any further deterioration of the situation in Libya due to an expansion of the conflict in Sudan will certainly have dire consequences for civilians who are already under immense strain in the country. It is also likely that Islamic militant groups in that area could exploit the insecurity to expand their operations. As Libya is one of the most difficult places in the world for Christians – ranking No.3 in the Open Doors World Watch List 2024 –, a deterioration in the security landscape means they will become even more vulnerable and their religious freedoms will not be guaranteed in any way.”