Sudan’s Army Chief Unwavering in Determination Following Advances in the Troubled Capital
In a significant development in Sudan’s 11-month-old conflict against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the head of Sudan’s army has announced plans to seize more ground following a major advance. The army’s recent progress was marked by the takeover of the radio and TV headquarters in Omdurman on Tuesday, a strategic move as it extends the army’s reach across the old center of Omdurman. This area has military bases and serves as a transit point for RSF resupplies. The RSF had maintained control over the region since the conflict’s inception in April of the previous year.
Reports indicate that the army’s recent successes have been aided by the deployment of drones. Witnesses observed destroyed RSF vehicles and the bodies of RSF fighters near the captured broadcast complex. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the army chief, addressed troops at the Engineer Corps base in Omdurman, affirming the military’s commitment to pursuing the RSF until victory is achieved. The army intends to continue the fight against the RSF in other parts of the capital, as well as in the western region of Darfur and El Gezira state south of Khartoum.
A video released by the army depicted General Burhan breaking his Ramadan fast with residents on a roadside in Omdurman, underscoring the military’s presence and engagement in the ongoing conflict. The developments mark a significant shift in the dynamics of the conflict, with the army making notable gains against the RSF.
Amid the intensifying conflict, the international charity Save the Children issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that approximately 220,000 severely malnourished children and over 7,000 new mothers in Sudan could face death from hunger in the coming months unless additional funding for humanitarian relief is secured. Relief efforts have been hindered by denial of access and looting of aid supplies, exacerbating the dire situation. The fighting has also disrupted the supply chain for foods used to treat severely malnourished children within Sudan, further contributing to the humanitarian crisis.
