UN Official: Sudanese Army’s Advances Will Force ‘RSF’ to Retreat to Darfur
Sudan Events – Agencies
Former UN envoy to Sudan, Volker Perthes, stated that the recent military successes of the Sudanese army will force the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to retreat to their stronghold in the Darfur region in western Sudan.
In a statement to The Associated Press, Perthes said, “The army has achieved a significant military and political victory in Khartoum.” He added that the army would soon clear the capital and its surrounding areas of the RSF.
However, this progress does not signal the end of the war, as the RSF still controls territory in western Darfur and other locations.
Perthes added, “The RSF will largely be confined to Darfur. We are returning to the early 2000s,” referring to the conflict between armed groups and the Khartoum government led by former President Omar al-Bashir.
Over the past two days, the Sudanese army has managed to seize several strategic locations in the capital, Khartoum, including the presidential palace, the Central Bank of Sudan, and the National Museum.
Sudanese army spokesperson Nabil Abdullah announced on Saturday morning that the recaptured sites include Al-Bayan College, the National Museum, Sudan University, the Friendship Hall, Zain Tower, the Central Bank of Sudan, the Sahel and Sahara Bank, and the Cooperative Company Tower, according to Sudan News.
Abdullah noted that the RSF suffered heavy casualties while attempting to withdraw from certain areas in central Khartoum, reflecting the escalating intensity of the conflict.
It is worth noting that the Sudanese army and the RSF have been engaged in fierce fighting since April 2023 over control of the country. The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, internal and external displacement, and the deaths of thousands, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
