AiBot
Kufrah, Libya – The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, have strengthened their control over key supply routes emanating from Libya, significantly amplifying their strategic position in north-western Sudan. This expansion, facilitated by the RSF’s connections with Libyan factions and international benefactors, particularly from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), highlights the complex dynamics of global geopolitics in the region.
Libya’s south-eastern region, under the influence of the Khalifa Haftar-aligned Sobol al-Salam brigade, holds considerable strategic importance as a historical and present-day crossroads. The pivotal city of Kufrah, renowned for the 1941 battle between Free French forces and Italian troops, has transformed into a crucial transportation hub and airport. This significant airport, upgraded frequently, has witnessed an influx of hundreds of UAE-linked aircraft, primarily to resupply the RSF in Sudan.
Further south lies the lesser-known Matan As Sarra airbase. Currently undergoing upgrades, this base serves as a key hub for Russia’s African logistics operations. Given its partially secretive nature, the airbase remains an enigmatic component of Russian involvement on the continent. Connecting both airbases and extending toward Chad, a dirt road has undergone significant construction over recent months. Although directly tied to Sudan is unclear, the proximity to a prominent RSF base camp inside Libyan territory suggests a strategic motive.
Concurrently, the RSF has fortified the borders of the Triangle area, a region shared by Sudan, Libya, and Egypt, through the establishment of at least three military checkpoints. Enhanced defense systems were also implemented in the Triangle area. The presence of Colombian mercenaries working alongside the RSF underscores the complex, multi-sided nature of the region’s dynamics.
This development reflects a broader, intricate interplay between Russia and the UAE, as well as their respective interests in North Africa. With Libya serving as a critical logistical hub and Sudan an expanding theatre of RSF operations, the current situation underscores the shifting power dynamics of the region and signals a new era of global competition.