Satellite images show RSF operating drones from Darfur base
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The satellite images reveal 3 hangars under construction, and at least one drone in the Nyala airport, which is under Rapid Support Forces control
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A satellite image shows two UAVs and a newly constructed hangar near the airstrip at Nyala Airport in Nyala, Sudan, as of January 14, 2025. (Maxar Technologies)
Satellite images have shown at least three drones and hangars under construction at the Nyala airport in South Darfur, which serves as a stronghold for the Rapid Support Forces and a base for its offensive against al-Fashir, the last Sudanese army-controlled stronghold in Darfur.
The satellite images, captured by Maxar, show the construction of three hangars over five weeks between January and February, as well as at least one drone which first appeared in December 9, 2024.
These images come after the RSF and its allies signed a charter on February 23 forming a parallel government in war-torn Sudan, in a disregard for warnings that such a decision could lead to more division in the country.
RSF, allies, set up parallel government
The charter was signed behind closed doors in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, and is said to lead towards a "government of peace unity", according to the signatories which included the RSF, the United Civil Forces, the People's Liberation Movement-North, and professional unions.
According to AFP, the charter advocates for a secular, democratic, and decentralized state founded on principles of freedom, equality, and justice, without favoritism toward any cultural, ethnic, religious, or regional identity, and outlines the formation of a "new, unified, professional, national army" with a military doctrine that embraces the diversity and plurality of the Sudanese state.
The Sudanese government criticized the involvement of Kenya, where the Rapid Support Forces and allies drafted the parallel government charter, condemning Nairobi's interference in Sudan's internal affairs and recalling its ambassador from there.
On February 10, Sudan Army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced plans to establish a technocratic wartime government once the army fully reclaims control of the capital, Khartoum, as it advances toward the presidential palace and multiple fronts.
"We can call it a caretaker government, a wartime government—it will help us complete our military objectives, which include liberating Sudan from these rebels," Burhan said in a meeting with politicians in Port Sudan.
Since erupting in April 2023, the war has triggered one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, displacing over 10 million people amid accusations of war crimes and genocide against the RSF in areas under its control.
