The Sudanese army’s recent advances in Khartoum Bahri, a district located to the north of Khartoum city, mark a pivotal shift in the ongoing conflict between the army and forces loyal to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been engaged in heavy fighting for control of the capital since the war broke out in April 2023. The army’s statement, made early this week, claims that its forces are in full control of several key neighborhoods, including vital government and logistical hubs that were previously held by the RSF.
The areas secured by the Sudanese army in Khartoum Bahri are crucial to the ongoing fight for dominance in the capital. Khartoum Bahri, home to major infrastructure such as bridges connecting different parts of the city, as well as the presence of essential government buildings and military installations, holds significant strategic importance. The army’s control of these districts is seen as a key step in its efforts to overpower the RSF and restore control over the capital. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the leader of the Sudanese army, lauded the achievement in a televised address. The Sudanese army has made significant progress in securing Khartoum Bahri, and we are now closer to ensuring stability and restoring order in the capital, he said, signaling that the army would continue its operations to push the RSF out of remaining strongholds in Khartoum.
The RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, has not yet confirmed the army’s claims, but reports suggest that fighting in the region has intensified over the past few days. Despite suffering setbacks, RSF fighters are known to have strong positions in parts of southern Khartoum and the western districts, and they continue to mount a resilient defense against the advancing army. In response to the army’s progress, the RSF issued a statement denouncing the military’s actions as an attempt to consolidate dictatorial control over Sudan. The Sudanese army has violated the rights of the Sudanese people, and their aggression in Khartoum Bahri is another attempt to suppress the will of the people, the RSF said, vowing to continue their resistance. The RSF has been accused of numerous human rights abuses during the conflict, including the targeting of civilians and the looting of essential supplies. Despite this, the group maintains significant support among certain segments of the population, particularly in regions outside Khartoum.
As the battle for Khartoum intensifies, Sudan is facing an escalating humanitarian crisis. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced by the ongoing fighting, with many seeking refuge in neighboring countries or in areas outside the capital. Access to food, clean water, and medical supplies remains limited, with aid organizations struggling to reach affected areas due to ongoing insecurity and blockages from both warring factions.
The United Nations has issued urgent calls for both sides to allow humanitarian access and adhere to international laws protecting civilians. The situation in Sudan is dire, and the impact on civilians is catastrophic, said Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. We call on all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and to allow aid workers to operate freely. The international community has expressed concern about the deteriorating situation in Sudan, with calls for an immediate ceasefire and dialogue between the Sudanese army and the RSF. Despite these appeals, both sides appear entrenched in their positions, and the conflict shows no signs of ending soon.
The military’s control over Khartoum Bahri could potentially tip the balance in favor of the Sudanese army, but experts warn that full control over the capital may not be enough to secure long-term peace in the country. Sudan’s political landscape remains fragmented, with many factions vying for power in the post-Bashir era. The Sudanese military itself is deeply divided, with factions within the army and the RSF both vying for control over the future of the country. Sudan’s transition to a democratic government, which was initiated after the ousting of long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019, has stalled as a result of the ongoing conflict. The struggle for power between the army and the RSF has undermined efforts to establish civilian rule and has left the country’s future uncertain.
The capture of Khartoum Bahri is a significant moment, but it is only one chapter in a much larger story, said Mohamed Ali, a Sudanese political analyst. Even if the army succeeds in gaining control of the capital, the deeper political and ethnic divisions that have fueled this war will not be easily resolved. Sudan is at a crossroads, and the road ahead remains perilous.
The conflict in Sudan is drawing increasing attention from regional and global powers, who are concerned about the potential for the fighting to spill over into neighboring countries. The instability in Sudan could destabilize the Horn of Africa, a region already grappling with its own security challenges, including ongoing conflicts in Ethiopia and South Sudan.
The African Union and the Arab League have called for a ceasefire and the initiation of peace talks, while the United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on key figures involved in the conflict. However, these efforts have yet to yield a breakthrough, and the military struggle for control of Khartoum continues to dominate the political landscape.
As the Sudanese army edges closer to full control of Khartoum, the immediate outlook remains uncertain. The humanitarian situation continues to worsen, and the prospects for peace seem distant. While the army’s gains in Khartoum Bahri are a crucial step toward consolidating control, the underlying issues of governance, ethnic divisions, and the military’s dominance over Sudanese politics remain unresolved.
The future of Sudan hinges on whether both sides can be compelled to enter negotiations and work toward a political solution that addresses the country’s deep-rooted challenges. Until then, the conflict will continue to reshape Sudan’s political and social landscape, with devastating consequences for its people.
