Sudan Armed Forces Push Forward in Omdurman
In a significant development, the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) have reportedly made advancements in Omdurman for the first time since the conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in April last year. The SAF in the Karari military area, north of Omdurman, joined forces with the engineering corps in the south of the city, where they had been under siege by the RSF for months.
This move follows the SAF’s announcement of entering Souq Omdurman, one of the country’s oldest markets, which had been a focal point of the conflict. Notably, the SAF’s progress coincided with reports of Iran providing support in the form of new Mohajer 6 drones, following a visit by the army’s leader, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, to Tehran.
The situation in Omdurman has escalated, with reports of forced evacuations and arrests. Residents in neighborhoods like Ombada were allegedly ordered to evacuate within 72 hours, resulting in the arrest of about 100 men who were subjected to mistreatment. Regrettably, one individual, Awad Hakeem, passed away after reportedly being tortured by the SAF.
Ethnic tensions have further intensified, particularly against the Gouran minority group in Sudan. There are reports of SAF soldiers, including new recruits, looting houses belonging to the Gouran people in north and west Omdurman. These actions have triggered accusations of targeting non-Arab groups, especially those hailing from Darfur.
The broader context of ethnic and regional divisions within Sudan is evident in the army’s actions. The military governor of the state, Mohamed el-Badawi, has called for the arrest of market traders and beggars, accusing them of working as spies for the RSF. Most market traders in Sudan, particularly in regions like Darfur and Kordofan, belong to ethnic groups that have long been marginalized.
Sudan’s complex history, marked by ethnic and tribal divisions, has come to the forefront amid the ongoing power struggle between different factions, leading to significant humanitarian concerns. The conflict, which began in April last year, has witnessed accusations of genocide, displacement, and human rights abuses, adding to the longstanding challenges facing the nation since its independence in 1956.
