Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, made a visit to the military’s General Command in Khartoum, marking the first time in nearly two years he has appeared at the strategic site.
The visit comes after the army announced it had broken a months-long siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), raising hopes for a turning point in Sudan’s protracted conflict.
“This is a victory for resilience and sacrifice,” Burhan declared during his visit on Sunday, surrounded by senior military leaders. “We will eradicate the RSF and pursue its fighters in every corner of Sudan.” His words were met with cheers from soldiers who had endured 20 months of relentless shelling and blockades.
The General Command had been under siege since April 2023, when a bitter power struggle between the army and RSF erupted into a full-scale war. The conflict has left tens of thousands dead, displaced over 4 million people, and plunged Sudan into one of the worst humanitarian crises in its history.
The army’s announcement on Friday that it had regained control of parts of Khartoum signaled a potential shift in the war. Clashes continue in cities like Omdurman, Bahri, and El Fasher, where civilian casualties remain high.
The RSF, however, dismissed the army’s claims as “propaganda.” In a rare public rift within the paramilitary group, an advisor to RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo resigned last week, accusing the RSF of targeting civilians.
International observers warn that the situation remains dire. “We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, urging an end to attacks on healthcare facilities and workers.
A Nation Divided by Allegations
Both sides continue to accuse the other of external interference. The Sudanese army claims the RSF receives backing from foreign powers, including the United Arab Emirates, while the RSF accuses the army of aligning with Egypt. Both parties deny these allegations, further fueling mistrust.
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The international community has largely condemned the violence, with limited success in brokering peace. Humanitarian organizations are struggling to provide aid to millions displaced by the fighting, as access remains restricted in many regions.
For civilians caught in the crossfire, Burhan’s visit offers little immediate relief. Food, water, and medical supplies remain scarce, and attacks on aid workers continue to escalate. However, the army’s renewed push to reclaim territory has sparked cautious optimism among some Sudanese citizens.
“I just want peace,” said Mariam Ibrahim, a mother of three living in a refugee camp outside Khartoum. “We’ve lost everything. When will this nightmare end?”
As the conflict enters its second year, Sudan remains at a crossroads. While the army celebrates its latest victory, the path to lasting peace and stability remains uncertain.
