By Destroying Infrastructure RSF Resorts to Scorched Earth Policy

By: Nazek Shummam – Sudanhorizon

Amani Al-Sir (a pseudonym), who resides in the Northern State, awoke to a phone call informing her that she could no longer visit Merowe Hospital for her radiation sessions after being diagnosed with cancer. The interruption was caused by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attack on the Dongola power substation early Monday morning, leaving her and other patients unable to continue treatment.
Since the Sudanese army entered Wad Madani last week, the RSF has resorted to targeting vital facilities and infrastructure. Recently, their focus has been on power stations, including the Merowe Dam power station, the Merowe city power station in the Northern State, and the Shok substation in Gedaref State. Similar attacks have targeted the power stations in Sennar’s Sinja and River Nile’s Atbara cities.
Army and Government Condemn the RSF Actions
The Sudanese army spokesman, Brigadier General Nabil Abdullah, described the RSF’s continued targeting of civilians and national infrastructure as unsurprising, labelling the group as a “criminal militia” unrepresentative of Sudan or its people. He added that the RSF leadership had long threatened to divide and destroy the country.
“Their continued lies about serving the country’s interests while harbouring only blind hatred and bitterness towards it reveals their true intentions. When they failed to achieve their delusions of power, they turned to destroying it,” Abdullah said.
The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the RSF’s actions as terrorism, particularly their attacks on essential services. The ministry urged the international community to denounce these actions and designate the RSF as a terrorist organization.
Sudanese Electricity Holding Company confirmed that the fire at the Dongola power substation was caused by a drone strike launched by the RSF. The company stated that the attack resulted in power outages in multiple areas, and technical teams were working to assess and repair the damage as quickly as possible.
Impacts on Civilians and Infrastructure
The RSF’s tactics deprive citizens of critical services such as electricity, water supply, and telecommunications, cause significant economic losses and instil fear in previously secure regions.
For example, in the Northern State, where agriculture is a primary livelihood, prolonged power outages disrupt irrigation schedules, leading to severe losses. Ibrahim Ahmed, a resident, told Al-Muhaqiq that irrigation systems powered by electricity are essential, and outages heavily impact farming productivity.
Economic and Political Analysis
Political and economic analyst Dr. Khalid Al-Tijani explained that the RSF’s targeting of vital facilities reveals their desperation and intent to sabotage civilian morale amid the army’s advances. He added that attacks on service facilities punish civilians rather than the army or government, creating economic and social disruptions.
“One of the key points in the Jeddah Agreement is protecting civilians, grounded in international and humanitarian law, which prohibits targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure,” said Al-Tijani.
He emphasized that the RSF’s actions, including attacks on electricity facilities, systematically target infrastructure. “These actions are neither incidental nor isolated; they represent a deliberate strategy,” he said.
Economist Khalid Saad noted that the RSF’s targeting of infrastructure, particularly electricity, aims to exhaust government resources. Rebuilding destroyed infrastructure is economically and socially costly and diverts funds from other priorities, including the military budget.
He further explained that the RSF’s attacks on safe areas aim to undermine the army’s control and stability. “Targeting infrastructure is an attempt to project strength and send a message that their war capabilities remain intact, regardless of legal or humanitarian considerations,” Saad said.
Broader Economic Implications
Saad highlighted that attacks on infrastructure escalate uncertainty, hinder production, and disrupt markets. Prolonged power outages increase fuel costs, which in turn put pressure on foreign currency markets, weakening the national currency. He also warned that damage to power stations could halt production of goods reliant on electricity.
“This destruction appears to be a reaction to the loss of Wad Madani and large parts of Al-Jazeera and other regions. It’s a message of defiance and an attempt to showcase resilience,” Saad added.
International Community’s Inaction
Analysts expressed frustration with the international community’s apparent inaction toward the RSF’s violations. While sanctions have been imposed on the country’s leadership, the RSF’s deliberate targeting of civilians and infrastructure remains unaddressed.
“These systematic attacks should be a wake-up call for the international community,” Saad said. “The RSF is waging a war not against the army but against the people, with long-term repercussions on Sudan’s recovery and stability.”