The Sudanese army has been making significant territorial gains in Khartoum, regaining control of key areas previously held by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). As the military consolidates its position, army leader Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has announced plans to form a wartime government once the capital is fully reclaimed.
Speaking over the weekend to a group of politicians aligned with the army, Gen Burhan emphasized that this new government would be “technocratic” and would operate under a newly drafted constitution. He ruled out any negotiations with the RSF, reinforcing his stance that the paramilitary group is a rebel force that must be defeated for Sudan to achieve peace and stability.
The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has plunged Sudan into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, displacing 12 million people and leaving millions on the brink of starvation. The war stems from a power struggle between Gen Burhan and RSF commander Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo over the future governance of Sudan. What began as a partnership between the army and the RSF quickly disintegrated into a brutal conflict, with both sides accused of committing atrocities against civilians.
Gen Burhan’s government proposal has been backed by the Sudanese foreign ministry, which on Sunday called on international bodies such as the United Nations, the African Union, and the Arab League to support this roadmap to peace. The statement described the army’s plan as a “national consensus” that could restore stability and facilitate the country’s transition.
The recent military victories have been attributed to the army’s increased air power and support from allied militias. The RSF, facing sustained attacks, has been forced to retreat from strategic locations in Khartoum and Gezira state. Despite these setbacks, the paramilitary group continues to maintain control over much of western Sudan, particularly in the Darfur region, where intense fighting is ongoing.
The RSF has faced serious accusations of committing genocide in Darfur, while both warring factions have been sanctioned by the United States for alleged war crimes. Both sides, however, deny any wrongdoing.
With the Sudanese army’s momentum increasing, the international community will be closely watching how Gen Burhan implements his plan for a transitional government. Whether this move will bring lasting peace or escalate the conflict further remains uncertain. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Sudan’s future as the army pushes ahead with its military objectives and political agenda.
