Sudan Army Claims Complete Control of Capital After Two-Year War
Sudan’s military announced Tuesday it expelled rival paramilitaries from Khartoum state. The declaration marks the army’s biggest victory since civil war erupted in April 2023.
Military spokesman Nabil Abdallah confirmed forces cleared the Rapid Support Forces from their final positions in Omdurman. The RSF retreated to two holdouts after losing central Khartoum in March.
Army units launched large-scale operations Monday to capture Salha and Ombada districts. The victory consolidates army control over Sudan’s political and economic center.
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s forces now dominate the capital region housing three million residents. The RSF retreats toward their western stronghold in Darfur province.
Burhan simultaneously appointed former UN official Kamil Idris as prime minister Monday. The diplomatic veteran served as World Intellectual Property Organization director from 1997 to 2008.
Burhan also named two women to the ruling council and reduced its cabinet oversight powers. These political moves target international recognition and African Union membership restoration.
The AU suspended Sudan in 2019 following previous military interventions. Both the African Union and Arab League welcomed Idris’s appointment as progress toward civilian governance.
The RSF responded to territorial losses by escalating drone warfare across Sudan. Paramilitaries targeted Port Sudan’s fuel depots, power stations, and military installations nine times since early May.
These strikes disrupted electricity and water supplies in the army’s wartime capital. The conflict has created catastrophic humanitarian consequences affecting 30.4 million people.
Over 12 million Sudanese fled their homes since fighting began. The displacement represents the world’s largest refugee crisis currently unfolding. Famine conditions now grip 635,000 people across five regions. Food prices doubled compared to early 2024 levels.
Agricultural production collapsed after two consecutive farming seasons disrupted by warfare. Two-thirds of Sudan‘s population depends on agriculture for survival.
The war effectively partitioned Africa’s third-largest country along geographic lines. Army forces control northern, eastern, and central territories including Khartoum state. The RSF maintains dominance across western Darfur and southern regions through local alliances.
International observers estimate 24,000 deaths minimum since hostilities commenced. The actual toll likely exceeds 61,000 fatalities in Khartoum state alone. Mass displacement continues straining neighboring countries hosting Sudanese refugees.
The army’s territorial gains provide leverage for potential negotiations. However, the RSF’s drone capabilities demonstrate continued resistance capacity. Both factions established competing governments while fighting persists across multiple fronts.
Sudan’s economic infrastructure suffered extensive damage from prolonged warfare. Critical facilities including hospitals, schools, and power plants became military targets. The destruction undermines post-conflict reconstruction prospects regardless of eventual victory.
The international community faces mounting pressure to address Sudan’s humanitarian emergency. Current funding shortfalls forced closure of emergency food programs. Without immediate intervention, hundreds of thousands face starvation in coming months.
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