Sudan Military Gains Ground in Khartoum
On Saturday, Sudan’s military announced a significant breakthrough in its operations, regaining control of the important Kafouri district in greater Khartoum. This district, located in Khartoum North, had been under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since the conflict erupted in April 2023. Military spokesman Nabil Abdullah confirmed that the army, along with allied units, had successfully cleared Kafouri and surrounding areas of what he described as remnants of the Daglo terrorist militias.
The recent military advancements in Kafouri mark a substantial shift in the ongoing conflict, as it has been a stronghold for the RSF since the war began. The area is known as one of Khartoum’s wealthiest neighborhoods and served as a vital base for RSF leaders, including the residence of Abdel Rahim Daglo, brother of RSF chief Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The army’s success in reclaiming Kafouri not only reduces the RSF’s influence but also signals its determination to restore full control over Khartoum North, which is home to approximately one million residents.
Significant Military Operations Underway
In a broader context, the military’s operations are taking place amid ongoing clashes in the city. On Thursday, a military source disclosed to AFP that forces were advancing toward central Khartoum, nearly two years after much of the city fell into RSF control at the conflict’s onset. Eyewitnesses reported hearing explosions and witnessing clashes in southern Khartoum on Saturday morning, indicating that the military is intensifying its efforts to reclaim the capital.
This latest offensive marks one of the army’s most significant actions since the conflict began between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former ally Daglo’s RSF, which quickly seized control of much of Khartoum and other strategic areas. The ongoing conflict has resulted in widespread devastation across the country, displacing over 12 million people and leading to what the International Rescue Committee has termed the “largest humanitarian crisis ever recorded” in Sudan.
Humanitarian Crisis Escalates
As the military operations escalate, the humanitarian situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate. The ongoing violence has led to mass displacements, with millions of individuals fleeing their homes in search of safety. Reports indicate that essential services have collapsed, and access to food, water, and medical care has become increasingly limited for those affected by the conflict.
International organizations are sounding the alarm, urging for immediate humanitarian assistance to address the crisis. The scale of displacement and the challenges faced by civilians underscore the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict, as both the military and RSF continue their struggle for power in the capital.
The Path Ahead for Sudan
Looking ahead, the situation in Sudan remains precarious. The military’s recent gains in Khartoum are significant, but the path to stability is fraught with challenges. Rebuilding trust among the population and ensuring the safety of civilians will be critical in the aftermath of the conflict.
Furthermore, the international community’s role will be pivotal in facilitating dialogue and supporting efforts to restore peace in Sudan. As the military continues its operations against the RSF, the hope is that a political solution can be found to end the violence and alleviate the suffering of millions caught in this humanitarian crisis.
