Sudanese army chief and head of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has stated that the war in Sudan will not end until the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fully surrenders. In a televised address, Burhan ruled out negotiations with the RSF, saying his forces would continue operations until the last rebel stronghold is eliminated.
Burhan and military gains in Sudan
Burhan’s statement followed the Sudanese army’s significant territorial advances, including the recent recapture of Khartoum. The military regained control of key locations such as the presidential palace, Khartoum International Airport, and several military headquarters. The army’s counteroffensive, which began in November, has gradually pushed the RSF back from central Sudan.
Additionally, the military reclaimed the Libya Market in Omdurman, a major RSF stronghold since April 2023. This victory paves the way for further military advances in western Omdurman, where RSF forces still hold territory.
RSF resistance and alliances
Despite recent setbacks, the RSF remains defiant. Shortly after the army’s success in Khartoum, the RSF announced a military alliance with a faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), which controls areas in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. This alliance has complicated the conflict, as the SPLM-N had previously clashed with both the army and RSF before aligning with the paramilitary group.
Reports indicate that RSF forces and their allies launched drone attacks on key infrastructure in Blue Nile State, including Damazin airport and the Roseires Dam. However, the Sudanese army claimed to have intercepted and downed these drones.
Humanitarian crisis and international concerns
The war, ongoing since April 2023, has caused a severe humanitarian crisis. Estimates from the United Nations and local authorities report over 20,000 deaths and approximately 14 million displaced. Research from US-based institutions suggests the death toll could be as high as 130,000. The conflict has spread to 13 of Sudan’s 18 states. The army controls the north and east, while the RSF holds significant territory in Darfur and parts of the south.
International organisations, including the United Nations, continue to call for an end to hostilities, warning of an impending humanitarian catastrophe. Millions of Sudanese civilians face famine and extreme hardship due to food shortages, with relief efforts severely hindered by ongoing violence.
Burhan and his determination to continue the war.
In his Eid al-Fitr address, Burhan said victory would only be complete when all RSF fighters are defeated. He expressed gratitude to the Sudanese people for supporting the military, calling them the “rightful owners of victory”.
Despite international pressure for peace talks, Burhan has maintained his stance against negotiations with the RSF. His speech reinforced the government’s commitment to eradicating the paramilitary forces from all parts of Sudan, signalling that the conflict is far from over.
As both sides continue their offensives, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with millions of civilians caught in the crossfire. The future of Sudan remains uncertain as the battle for control of the nation persists.
