Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have launched a coordinated drone attack against five power stations, causing mass power outages across the country’s east, a government official said.

The drones hit two power stations each in the states of Al-Jazira and Gedaref and one in White Nile state, “resulting in power outages across large parts of these three states”, the official said on condition of anonymity.

All three states are controlled by the Sudanese army, which has been at war with the RSF, its former ally, since April 2023.

The United Nations has repeatedly warned that regular attacks on power stations threaten health and services for millions of people who are already facing the world’s largest hunger crisis.

Babiker Youssef, a resident of Al-Fao, in Gedaref, said the power had been out there since early morning.

“My son is diabetic, his insulin has to be stored in the fridge,” he said over the phone, adding that he feared he would not be able to replace the medication if it spoiled.…