Khartoum – Sudan’s military ruler, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, reiterated his commitment to achieving what he described as the army’s “ultimate goal” of completely eliminating the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), rejecting any ceasefire or peace talks unless the paramilitary group lays down its arms. His remarks came just days after announcing a general mobilization across the armed forces.
Speaking during a visit to the city of Al-Qutaynah in White Nile State, south of Khartoum, al-Burhan affirmed that the Sudanese Armed Forces were “determined to uproot the rebel militia entirely and cleanse every inch of the homeland,” according to a statement by the Transitional Sovereignty Council.
The comments underline the military leadership’s determination to pursue a battlefield victory amid a prolonged war that has devastated large swathes of the country and derailed international peace efforts. Al-Burhan has recently toured several regions, including Omdurman and central Gezira State, to assess frontline conditions and rally troops.
Expanding Conflict and Military Realignments
The latest escalation follows a series of deteriorating developments on the ground. The RSF currently controls all five states of the Darfur region in western Sudan, except for parts of North Darfur still held by the army. Meanwhile, the military maintains control over most of the 13 remaining states in the north, east, central, and southern parts of the country, including major areas of the capital, Khartoum.
Observers say al-Burhan’s recent remarks underscore his intent to settle the conflict militarily after the collapse of multiple mediation attempts, including the Saudi- and U.S.-brokered Jeddah talks.
Mounting Humanitarian Toll
As the war grinds on, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to worsen. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has left tens of thousands dead and displaced roughly 13 million people, according to United Nations estimates.
In the southern state of South Kordofan, at least 23 children have died over the past month in the towns of Dilling and Kadugli due to acute malnutrition and a severe shortage of essential supplies caused by an ongoing siege, Sudan’s Doctors’ Union reported. The network warned that “famine-like conditions are killing children and threatening the lives of thousands of civilians.”
The organization condemned the blockade as a “flagrant violation of international humanitarian law” and of children’s right to survive and receive protection. It also urged the United Nations and humanitarian organizations to immediately open safe corridors and deliver aid without delay.
A Nation at the Brink
With neither side showing signs of compromise, analysts warn that Sudan may be descending deeper into fragmentation and instability. As the war drags into its second year, hopes for a negotiated settlement fade, leaving millions trapped between violent frontlines and worsening deprivation.
