The Sudanese army has seized control of a key stronghold previously held by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in northern Khartoum, a military spokesman said on Saturday, bringing the military closer to consolidating control over the capital region.
According to Agence France-Presse, the army’s advance puts it on the verge of controlling all of northern Khartoum, which, along with Khartoum and Omdurman, comprises the Sudanese capital.
In a statement, Sudanese army spokesperson Nabil Abdullah said, “Our forces today (Friday), along with allied units, completed the clearing of the Abu Quta area and areas east of the Nile and Kafouri of the remnants of the Daglo terrorist militias,” referring to RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, also known as “Hemedti.” The Abuquta district, a wealthy area of Khartoum with a population of one million, has been a key base for the RSF.
Since April 2023, the Sudanese army and the RSF have been engaged in a violent conflict. In recent weeks, the army has launched a large-scale offensive aimed at retaking full control of Khartoum.
An army source, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, said that its forces were “close to reaching the centre of Khartoum and controlling it… and expelling the Daglo militia,” adding that armoured units were advancing from multiple directions.
The army announced on Wednesday that it had “cleared” the Al-Rumaila and industrial areas in central Khartoum, located just three kilometres from the Presidential Palace, which remains under RSF control.
The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, displaced more than 12 million people, and severely damaged Sudan’s infrastructure, leaving the majority of healthcare facilities non-operational.
Meanwhile, Sudanese Sovereign Council President Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan stated on Saturday that there are currently no negotiations taking place with the RSF. “We can talk to the Rapid Support Forces only if they lay down their weapons,” he said.
Al-Burhan said he had received “invitations to sign an agreement to cease-fire in the month of Ramadan,” but affirmed that “We will not accept any cease-fire unless the Rapid Support Forces withdraw from all states and gather in specific centres.” He added that the army would “not grant the Rapid Support Forces gains by ceasing fire” and that fighting would continue until the siege on Al-Fashir is lifted.
He asserted that the Sudanese army has developed plans to “control the entire country” and expressed confidence that “the only solution is victory… we are confident that the battle will end in victory.” He also emphasised that “those who are fighting in the ranks of the army represent all Sudanese.”
Al-Burhan further announced that Khartoum is preparing to form a technocratic government, with consultations underway to select a civilian prime minister. “The government that will be formed will help us to complete the remaining military operations,” he said, adding that “the recommendations of the political forces will find attention and the space for implementation.”
Speaking about the future political landscape, Al-Burhan stated that the National Congress Party, the party of former President Omar al-Bashir, will not return to power, urging party officials to refrain from exploiting the situation: “Stay away from the bidding if you are patriots… you will not find an opportunity to rule the country over the blood of the Sudanese.” He added that “The National Congress and others who want to rule should resort to elections in the future.”
Turning to the Coordination of Civilian Democratic Forces (Tagadum) and the Forces for Freedom and Change, al-Burhan said, “You are like the National Congress, and you do not have a chance to return to power… You and the Rapid Support Forces are the same to us.” He added, “We welcome the Tagadum coordination if Tagadum removes its hand from the Rapid Support Forces.”
