Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has rejected any chance of reconciliation with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In a video statement on Saturday, he vowed to crush the group. Burhan made it clear that the army would not negotiate or compromise, stressing its commitment to restoring national unity and stability.
However, he suggested that RSF fighters who surrender and “acknowledge the truth” may be granted amnesty. This offer is directed mainly at those in rebel-held areas who choose to lay down their arms.
Army Captures Key Market in Omdurman, Gains Control of Capital Area
On the same day, the Sudanese army announced a major victory in Omdurman, Khartoum’s twin city. It took control of Souq Libya, a key commercial hub that had been used by the RSF to launch attacks. Military officials reported that RSF fighters fled, leaving behind weapons and equipment that the army later seized.
With most of Omdurman under its control, including two large military bases, the army is now focused on securing the entire capital region. This area consists of Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri, separated by branches of the River Nile. Gaining full control of these cities would give the army a significant advantage in its campaign against the RSF.
RSF Remains Silent as Army Advances in Omdurman
The RSF has not responded to the army’s recent gains in Omdurman, where paramilitary forces still control some areas. Despite growing pressure, the RSF continues to hold onto parts of the city, prolonging the conflict.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens as Conflict Drags On
The war, which erupted from a power struggle between the army and RSF before Sudan’s transition to civilian rule, has caused widespread suffering. Khartoum has been reduced to ruins, and more than 12 million people have been displaced. Nearly half of Sudan’s 50 million people now face severe hunger. Although exact figures are difficult to verify, a study published last year estimated that 61,000 people died in Khartoum state alone within the first 14 months of the conflict.
Regional Instability Intensifies as War Persists
The ongoing violence has destabilized the region, affecting neighboring countries like Libya, Chad, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan. These nations, already grappling with internal conflicts, now face added pressure from Sudan’s crisis. The continued unrest has worsened humanitarian and security challenges across the region.
As the army pushes to regain full control of the capital, the prospects for peace remain uncertain. Millions of civilians remain trapped in a cycle of violence and instability.