Sudanese Armed Forces Occupy Northern Kordofan Province and Key National Export Highway

On August 2, 2026, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) announced that they had occupied the towns of Umm Qarfa and Juraikh in North Kordofan Province. At the same time, the SAF also seized control of the National Export Highway, a major road connecting the Sudanese capital of Khartoum to North Kordofan Province.

Background information shows that the SAF was established in 1956, but since the outbreak of the Sudanese civil war in 2023, the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have engaged in a cycle of attacks and counterattacks, resulting in significant civilian casualties. According to different sources, the SAF's strength was estimated to be 109,300 personnel in 2011, 200,000 personnel in 2023, and 300,000 personnel in 2024.

It is worth noting that the SAF has been influenced by Islamist elements, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood, within its ranks. According to certain estimates, these Islamist groups account for as much as 75% of the SAF. However, international efforts to negotiate a peace agreement with the SAF have been consistently rejected by the organization's leadership due to internal Islamist pressure, which has been viewed as a major obstacle to conflict resolution.

Recently, the SAF announced that it had occupied the towns of Umm Qarfa and Juraikh in North Kordofan Province, as well as seized control of the National Export Highway. This move is seen as part of the SAF's push against the RSF. However, the situation remains unclear, and international efforts continue to push for peace negotiations.

The significance of this development extends beyond Sudan itself, with far-reaching implications for regional security and stability in East Africa. The Sudanese civil war has already displaced hundreds of thousands of people, and the instability in the region poses a threat to neighboring countries.

For Taiwan, this development has not had a direct impact on our daily lives, but it provides an opportunity to learn about the changing dynamics and trends in East African politics. The event also serves as a reminder that any region in the world can potentially experience a major crisis at any time, necessitating our vigilance and attention.

Lastly, many factors remain unclear in this situation, and we will continue to monitor and provide updates to meet the needs of our readers.