Sudanese military leaders have declared a significant turning point in the country’s nearly two-year civil war, following a week of territorial gains that included breaking the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) siege of the army’s main headquarters in Khartoum.
The army’s recapture of the al-Jaili refinery in northern Bahri and parts of the city across the Nile set the stage for the breakthrough on Friday, ending the RSF’s siege of the General Command base, which had persisted since April 2023. Civilians cheered in the streets of Bahri and other areas, while soldiers celebrated the momentum shift from within the battered Khartoum headquarters.
“Inch by inch, we’ll reclaim all our homeland,” said one soldier, referencing the army’s ambition to retake al-Geneina in western Darfur, an area early seized by the RSF and linked to allegations of genocide by the United States. Army Chief of Staff General Mohamed Osman Al-Hussein described the development as pivotal, expressing hope for the return of displaced Sudanese to their homes and a future of security and peace.
Despite the military’s advances, the RSF, which controls most of Darfur and significant parts of Kordofan, denied reports of the army’s gains. The paramilitary group claimed it was deploying forces in Bahri’s Sharg el-Nil district and continued its assault on al-Fashir, the last state capital in Darfur under army control. Over the weekend, a drone attack on al-Fashir’s remaining hospital left dozens dead. While the RSF denied responsibility, it accused the army of being behind the strike.
The ongoing conflict has displaced over 12 million people and left half the population facing hunger. Both the army and RSF have been criticized for exacerbating the crisis. Analysts suggest the army might prioritize recapturing Khartoum fully before engaging in peace talks.
Meanwhile, the RSF has proposed forming its own government, further fueling fears of Sudan’s partition. Army leaders have rejected any inclusion of the RSF in the Sudanese state, deepening the divisions.
A leader of the Joint Forces, allied with the Sudanese army, vowed continued efforts to reclaim the west of the country. “Now that we’ve broken the siege on the General Command, you’ll hear about victories as we regain our bases in al-Daein, Nyala, al-Fashir, and Geneina,” said Colonel Mohamed Hasaballah.