Darfur’s long-distance trade: impact of war and Rapid Support Forces’ trade embargo

The ongoing war in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023, has profoundly disrupted Darfur’s economy. With the RSF controlling most of the region (except El Fasher), trade and economic activity have come under its authority.

The RSF’s embargo on regular trade has obstructed the movement and export of locally produced commodities, isolating western Sudan from national and international markets. This has directly and indirectly affected producers, traders, businesspeople, transporters, and wage laborers across multiple sectors.

Drawing on first‑hand accounts and monitoring from Darfur’s states, the brief highlights the compounding consequences of conflict on trade, livelihoods, and food security, offering insights for humanitarian, development, and peace actors.