Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces Refuse Surrender Amid Military Setbacks
Amid escalating conflict, Sudan’s paramilitary group pledges to continue fighting as the regular army claims control over central Khartoum.
KHARTOUM: The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a prominent paramilitary group in Sudan, announced on Thursday that there would be 'no retreat and no surrender' following the retaking of nearly the entire central Khartoum by the regular army.
This declaration came after army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan proclaimed the capital 'free' from RSF presence, from the newly recaptured presidential palace.
In a statement, the RSF insisted that its forces had not been defeated but had merely 'repositioned', vowing to continue to defend Sudan's territory and secure a decisive victory.
They asserted their commitment to delivering 'crushing defeats' to their rivals.
However, the RSF's claims remain unverified, and independent confirmation of their remaining positions in Khartoum has not been possible.
The ongoing conflict has had severe humanitarian consequences, with estimates of tens of thousands killed and the displacement of over 12 million people, according to United Nations reports.
The war has effectively divided Africa’s third-largest nation, with the army maintaining control over the north and east, while the RSF operates in parts of the south and largely dominates the western Darfur region, which shares a border with Chad.
Recent developments indicate the army's significant progress, having cleared Khartoum airport of RSF militants and encircled their last major stronghold in the capital.
Sources within the army reported that RSF combatants have been seen fleeing across the Jebel Awliya bridge, which presents a potential evacuation route linking them to their bases in Darfur.
On the same day that Burhan made a high-profile return to the presidential palace for the first time in two years, the RSF announced a military alliance with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), a rebel faction controlling substantial territory in South Kordofan and parts of Blue Nile bordering Ethiopia.
This collaboration follows the signing of a political charter last month, aiming to establish a rival governance structure.
Reports from the Blue Nile state capital Damazin indicated drone attacks targeting the airport and the Roseires Dam from RSF and allied forces, marking a significant escalation of hostilities.
The army’s recent offensive, which began in earnest late last year, has been marked by gradual gains following a series of defeats suffered by the RSF.
Analysts have pointed to the RSF's operational failures, internal discord, and shortages of supplies as contributing factors to its weakened position.
Since the army’s recapture of the presidential palace, there have been reports of RSF combatants retreating within Khartoum.
Meanwhile, in Port Sudan, celebrations erupted from displaced individuals who expressed hope for a return to their homes in the capital.
Burhan, who rose to prominence following the ousting of civilian leaders in a coup in 2021, indicated during a meeting with Germany’s envoy to the Horn of Africa that the army intends to establish a technocratic government without engaging in political activities, aiming toward conditions favorable for elections.
The RSF traces its origins to the Janjaweed militia, known for its role in the Darfur conflict over the past two decades.
Both the army and the RSF have positioned themselves as defenders of Sudan’s uprising that led to the removal of former leader Omar Al-Bashir in 2019. Meanwhile, the United States has enacted sanctions against both factions, citing civilian attacks perpetrated by the army, while condemning the RSF for alleged genocide.
This declaration came after army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan proclaimed the capital 'free' from RSF presence, from the newly recaptured presidential palace.
In a statement, the RSF insisted that its forces had not been defeated but had merely 'repositioned', vowing to continue to defend Sudan's territory and secure a decisive victory.
They asserted their commitment to delivering 'crushing defeats' to their rivals.
However, the RSF's claims remain unverified, and independent confirmation of their remaining positions in Khartoum has not been possible.
The ongoing conflict has had severe humanitarian consequences, with estimates of tens of thousands killed and the displacement of over 12 million people, according to United Nations reports.
The war has effectively divided Africa’s third-largest nation, with the army maintaining control over the north and east, while the RSF operates in parts of the south and largely dominates the western Darfur region, which shares a border with Chad.
Recent developments indicate the army's significant progress, having cleared Khartoum airport of RSF militants and encircled their last major stronghold in the capital.
Sources within the army reported that RSF combatants have been seen fleeing across the Jebel Awliya bridge, which presents a potential evacuation route linking them to their bases in Darfur.
On the same day that Burhan made a high-profile return to the presidential palace for the first time in two years, the RSF announced a military alliance with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), a rebel faction controlling substantial territory in South Kordofan and parts of Blue Nile bordering Ethiopia.
This collaboration follows the signing of a political charter last month, aiming to establish a rival governance structure.
Reports from the Blue Nile state capital Damazin indicated drone attacks targeting the airport and the Roseires Dam from RSF and allied forces, marking a significant escalation of hostilities.
The army’s recent offensive, which began in earnest late last year, has been marked by gradual gains following a series of defeats suffered by the RSF.
Analysts have pointed to the RSF's operational failures, internal discord, and shortages of supplies as contributing factors to its weakened position.
Since the army’s recapture of the presidential palace, there have been reports of RSF combatants retreating within Khartoum.
Meanwhile, in Port Sudan, celebrations erupted from displaced individuals who expressed hope for a return to their homes in the capital.
Burhan, who rose to prominence following the ousting of civilian leaders in a coup in 2021, indicated during a meeting with Germany’s envoy to the Horn of Africa that the army intends to establish a technocratic government without engaging in political activities, aiming toward conditions favorable for elections.
The RSF traces its origins to the Janjaweed militia, known for its role in the Darfur conflict over the past two decades.
Both the army and the RSF have positioned themselves as defenders of Sudan’s uprising that led to the removal of former leader Omar Al-Bashir in 2019. Meanwhile, the United States has enacted sanctions against both factions, citing civilian attacks perpetrated by the army, while condemning the RSF for alleged genocide.
