Sudan Army Chief Reaffirms Determination to Eliminate RSF after Key Victory

Monday 27 January 2025 - 08:35

Sudan's top military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, made a significant visit to the military headquarters in Khartoum after government forces reportedly ended a prolonged siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This marked his first appearance at the site since the conflict intensified.

During his visit, al-Burhan, accompanied by senior military officials, commended the “courage and sacrifices” of the soldiers who defended the headquarters for over 20 months. He vowed to eliminate the RSF and pursue its members across Sudan, emphasizing the ongoing operations in cities like Omdurman, Bahri, and el-Fasher, where intense fighting has been reported.

“Our forces are in their strongest position,” al-Burhan declared, referring to the recent recapture of the military headquarters, which had been surrounded by RSF fighters since April 2023.

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) announced last week that they had broken the RSF blockade on Khartoum, a development seen as a potential turning point in the nearly two-year conflict. However, the RSF dismissed the claim as propaganda. Earlier this month, the military regained control of Wad Madani, a strategic city previously held by the RSF, amid allegations of ethnic violence following the takeover.

The RSF has faced accusations of human rights abuses during the war, including allegations of genocide made by the United States.

Al-Burhan’s remarks have fueled concerns about the lack of a diplomatic resolution. Reports suggest he has dismissed reconciliation and intends to continue fighting until all RSF forces are defeated. While international efforts to mediate have been ongoing, the general appears focused on achieving a military victory, especially following recent territorial gains.

Attack on Hospital in Darfur Region

Meanwhile, an attack on a hospital in el-Fasher, Darfur, left at least 70 dead and 19 injured. The World Health Organization (WHO) condemned the assault, which targeted a hospital filled with patients. Local reports allege that the RSF carried out a drone strike, though the responsible party has not been officially confirmed.

El-Fasher, the largest city in Darfur and home to its most significant functional airport, remains a strategic stronghold for the army. Experts warn of the RSF’s ambition to control the region as part of efforts to establish a separate government, potentially leading to a scenario similar to Libya's fragmented governance.

Local and international human rights groups have accused the RSF of attacking displacement camps and infrastructure, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. More than 5,000 people have been killed or injured in el-Fasher since May 2023.

Recent RSF attacks targeting water dams, power stations, and oil refineries have further raised concerns about the group’s strategy to cripple essential infrastructure in the region.