During the reference period, the RSF controlled most of Central Darfur, including the state capital Zalingei, while SLM-AW retained control of parts of the Jebel Marra region.779 The RSF reportedly controlled six districts,780 while SLM-AW controlled three: Nertiti, Golo, and Rokero. SLM-AW,781 whose fighters are predominantly drawn from the Fur ethnic group,782 remained neutral in the conflict between the SAF and the RSF.783 RSF-aligned militias active in Central Darfur reportedly included Beni Halba and Salamat militias.784 In August 2024, Arab tribal leaders from West and Central Darfur announced the mobilisation of 11 battalions in support of the RSF, while the Central Darfur administration pledged an additional 10 000 fighters.785
- 779
Sudans Post, Territorial Control Map – Sudan Conflict (as of June 21, 2026) [Map 1], 22 June 2026, url; Sudans Post, Territorial control in Sudan – October 2025 [Map 3], 12 October 2025, url; Soliman, A. and Baldo, S., Gold and the war in Sudan [Map], Chatham House, updated 24 March 2026, url
- 780
Sudan Tribune, RSF-led administration accuses Sudanese army of drone strike in Central Darfur, 28 March 2026, url
- 781
Sudan Tribune, SLM-AW adopts own flag and anthem in controlled areas, 4 January 2026, url
- 782
Sudan Tribune, SLM-AW adopts own flag and anthem in controlled areas, 4 January 2026, url
- 783
Sudan Tribune, Neutral Darfur rebel group proposes ceasefire, civilian government to end Sudan war, 23 August 2025, url
- 784
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, Mapping the Armed Actors in the Sudan Conflict [Map], 7 July 2026, url
- 785
Sudan Tribune, Sudan’s RSF turns to tribal leaders to stem losses after Kordofan defeats, 4 August 2026, url