Micah Jonah
February 10, 2026
Ethiopia is reportedly operating a covert military camp in its western Benishangul-Gumuz region to train fighters for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Reuters investigation reveals. Satellite imagery and multiple sources indicate the camp’s construction began in April 2025, with full activity ramping up from October.
According to Ethiopian security memos and diplomatic cables reviewed by Reuters, the facility can accommodate up to 10,000 fighters, including Ethiopians, Sudanese, and South Sudanese recruits. Around 4,300 RSF fighters were being trained as of early January, preparing to deploy in Sudan’s Blue Nile state. Trucks and logistical supplies for the camp were reportedly provided by the United Arab Emirates, although the UAE denies involvement.
The camp is strategically located about 32 km from the Sudanese border, near the intersection of Ethiopia, Sudan, and South Sudan. Satellite imagery shows hundreds of tents, heavy trucks, and ongoing construction, including a nearby drone control station at Asosa airport, 53 km away. Analysts warn the camp’s proximity to critical infrastructure, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, could pose security risks if conflict spreads.
The development signals Ethiopia’s first known direct involvement in Sudan’s civil war, which erupted in 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF. The conflict has already displaced millions, destabilizing neighboring countries, drawing in regional backers.
The Ethiopian government, Sudanese Armed Forces, and RSF did not respond to requests for comment. The camp is reportedly under the oversight of General Getachew Gudina, Chief of Ethiopia’s Defense Intelligence Department, with UAE-backed logistical support reportedly playing a key role.
The emergence of this secret facility highlights how Sudan’s civil war is expanding into the region, with potential long-term implications for security across East Africa.
