Sudan Conflict: Military Gains Ground, RSF in Retreat
Sudanese Military Reclaims Key City, Strengthens Supply Routes
On Sunday, the Sudanese army broke a year-long siege on the city of El-Obeid, restoring access to a crucial strategic region in south-central Sudan and strengthening key supply routes in the war against the notorious paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). According to the United Nations and other international human rights organizations, the conflict in Khartoum and other cities has led to severe atrocities, including mass rape and ethnic violence. These incidents are being classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Military spokesperson Brigadier General Nabeel Abdullah stated that the army had also expelled RSF from its last stronghold in White Nile State. Earlier, in April 2023, war broke out in Sudan following escalating tensions between the army and RSF, leading to widespread chaos. The army successfully reopened the road to El-Obeid via Al-Sayyid Dhuri. El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State, houses a major airbase and a key infantry division. The city is strategically located on the railway connecting Khartoum to Nyala, the provincial capital of South Darfur State.
Sudan’s Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim praised the army’s progress in El-Obeid, calling it a significant step toward lifting the siege on El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, and facilitating humanitarian aid delivery in the Kordofan region. In September 2023, the army launched an offensive, after which RSF suffered several defeats. The army has reclaimed strategic areas and regions around Khartoum and is now close to capturing the Republican Palace.
Additionally, RSF and its allies have suffered failures in several other battle zones, including Gezira State, and the army has taken control of the country’s largest oil refinery. However, no permanent solution has been reached in this two-year-long conflict, and international pressure and mediation efforts have failed. Meanwhile, RSF and its allies have taken steps to establish a parallel government, raising concerns about the possible division of the country.
