Russians Feared Dead in Sudan Plane Crash Amid Civil Conflict

A Russian cargo plane is believed to have been shot down in Darfur, Sudan, with concerns rising over the possible deaths of Russian crew members. The crash occurred in the context of the ongoing civil war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been waging a violent power struggle since April 2023. This conflict has created one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent history, with the United Nations estimating that more than 10 million people have been displaced, and up to 150,000 people killed, according to some reports.

The aircraft in question, identified as a Russian-made Ilyushin Il-76, was on a mission to deliver equipment and medical supplies to the army-controlled city of el-Fasher. Sudanese media, citing military sources, revealed that the plane was shot down in the Malha region, near the Chad border, while on its way to the city. El-Fasher, located in western Darfur, is a crucial stronghold of the army and has been under siege by RSF forces since the conflict began.

The RSF claimed responsibility for downing the plane, stating that it had shot down a Russian-made Antonov aircraft operated by the Egyptian military. The paramilitary group accused Egypt of supporting the Sudanese army by bombing civilians, a claim that Egypt has vehemently denied. Egypt has maintained that it has not provided any military support to Sudan during the ongoing 18-month conflict.

Following the crash, the RSF released videos from the crash site, showing flames and wreckage. Viral footage from the scene depicted RSF soldiers holding identification documents allegedly found among the debris. BBC Verify confirmed that these documents included a Russian passport, a job ID card from Manas Airport in Kyrgyzstan, and two South African driver’s licenses. These materials appeared to belong to one individual, a potential graduate of a Russian military academy who may have resided in South Africa. The RSF also claimed to have recovered the plane’s black box and other documents related to its mission.

Russians Feared Dead in Sudan Plane Crash Amid Civil Conflict

The Russian embassy in Khartoum announced that it is investigating the incident, working in coordination with the Sudanese military government to gather more information. Preliminary reports, according to the Sudan Tribune, indicate that five crew members – three Sudanese nationals and two Russians – were aboard the plane when it crashed, and all are believed to have died. However, details remain unclear, and no independent verification of the crash has been obtained so far.

The downing of the plane has sparked speculation over the exact cause of the crash. While both the RSF and Sudanese army claim the plane was shot down, others have suggested that a technical fault may have contributed to the incident. Some reports also indicate that the plane may have been mistakenly targeted, as circulating video footage suggests the aircraft could have been linked to an airline previously associated with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE has denied allegations that it has been arming the RSF, although the UN claims there is credible evidence to support this assertion.

As the conflict rages on, fresh diplomatic attempts to broker peace between the warring factions have failed to make headway. The situation has only worsened in recent weeks, with intensified fighting around Khartoum and the escalation of airstrikes by the army in the city’s central and southern areas. In Wad Madani, an RSF-controlled city south of Khartoum in Gezira state, activists reported that more than 50 people had been killed in a series of attacks since Sunday. One particularly devastating attack occurred when the military allegedly dropped barrel bombs on a mosque after evening prayers, killing over 30 civilians. Many of the bodies were charred beyond recognition.

The conflict has taken an even darker turn following the defection of the RSF’s top commander in Gezira state to the Sudanese army. As both sides continue to fight for control, the humanitarian toll of the conflict shows no signs of abating, with innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.

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