Sudan’s war now extends far beyond the confrontation between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s army and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). An investigation published on August 28 by Africa Intelligence sheds light on the discreet ties maintained between the paramilitary group and Israel.
According to the investigation, two RSF-linked delegations reportedly travelled secretly to Tel Aviv, first in May 2025 and again in February 2026. The first delegation notably included Abdel Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, Hemedti’s brother and the RSF’s second-in-command, as well as another brother, Algoney Hamdan Dagalo. The Sudanese representatives reportedly met officials from the Africa Division of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as members of the Israeli intelligence services.
These exchanges appear to be part of a longer-standing relationship. Contacts between Hemedti’s inner circle and Israel reportedly began before the war broke out in April 2023, particularly in the fields of security and intelligence. For the RSF, which is now seeking to establish a rival administration in the territories it controls, maintaining a channel with Israel could also help its efforts to build international connections and gain legitimacy abroad. The meetings reported by Africa Intelligence, however, have not been officially confirmed by the parties involved.
An increasingly regionalised conflict
Israel is only one element in a much broader network of foreign involvement. The United Arab Emirates has repeatedly been accused of providing the RSF with weapons, financing and logistical support. Several investigations have documented supply routes running through Libya, Chad and other African countries. Abu Dhabi categorically denies providing military support to the paramilitary group. UN experts recently concluded that aircraft investigated by Reuters had transported weapons, drones and mercenaries for the RSF.
Ethiopia has emerged as another alleged support hub. A Reuters investigation published in February revealed the existence of a camp in western Ethiopia reportedly intended to train thousands of fighters for the RSF. Eight sources cited in the investigation said the UAE had financed the facility and provided trainers and logistical support. The Emirates rejected the allegations.
On the other side, Sudan’s army also benefits from foreign backing. Egypt remains one of its main political and security partners, while Iran and Turkey have helped strengthen its military capabilities, particularly through drones. In February, Reuters also documented the deployment of Turkish Bayraktar Akıncı combat drones in Egypt, close to the Sudanese border, highlighting the growing involvement of regional powers.
From the RSF’s reported contacts with Israel and alleged Emirati support to the involvement of Ethiopia, Egypt, Turkey, Iran and Libya, Sudan has become one of the main arenas for regional competition between the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. This internationalisation is also helping to prolong a war that has now lasted for more than three years.
Sources: Africa Intelligence / Reuters