General Burhan Vows Continued Liberation Efforts in Sudan’s Ongoing War
Image source: Crisis Group
On Friday, General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, the chief of Sudan’s Army, attended the somber funeral of a notable Sudanese journalist who tragically perished in a devastating drone strike. This attack is widely believed to have been carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group central to the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The drone assault not only resulted in the death of the journalist but also led to the loss of several military personnel and journalists affiliated with Sudanese state television, underscoring the significant dangers faced by media workers in war zones.
On the same day, a major military development occurred in Khartoum as Sudan’s armed forces regained control of the Republican Palace, the last heavily fortified stronghold of the RSF in the capital. This pivotal moment comes almost two years after escalating hostilities commenced between the military and the RSF, marking a significant turning point in the extended struggle for power. General Burhan addressed his supporters in Gezira province, conveying determination and resilience: “During this holy month, our troops are advancing steadily to continue liberating Sudan. We assure the Sudanese people that we are making progress; this battle will not cease. Our persistence and spirit derive from you, the Sudanese people.” His words aimed to uplift morale and garner public support during the ongoing conflict.
The capture of the Republican Palace, surrounded by crucial government ministries, signifies a notable symbolic triumph for Sudan’s military forces over the RSF. Nevertheless, military experts warn that this development is unlikely to herald a definitive conclusion to the war, as the RSF still controls significant areas, especially in Sudan’s western Darfur region and other strategic locations throughout the country. Burhan offered his condolences for the lost lives and reaffirmed his dedication to the cause of national liberation: “We extend our condolences to you and to ourselves. With God’s will, soon, through the sacrifices of these heroic individuals, we will harvest the rewards by witnessing Sudan liberated from any rebellion and from anyone who intends harm toward our people.”
Strategically positioned in northeastern Africa, Sudan has been entrenched in instability and conflict since a popular uprising in 2019 resulted in the ousting of longtime autocratic President Omar al-Bashir. After a brief period that suggested a potential shift toward democratic governance, this optimism was shattered when Burhan and Deputy Chief Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly referred to as Hemedti, executed a military coup in 2021. The ensuing clashes between Burhan’s military forces and the RSF erupted in 2023, causing widespread violence and a humanitarian crisis. Since the beginning of the year, Burhan’s forces, including both the military and allied militia groups, have achieved significant progress against the RSF, including regaining control of a vital oil refinery located north of Khartoum and advancing further into RSF-held territories around the capital. The escalating conflict continues to impose heavy collateral damage on civilians, worsening the already critical humanitarian situation in the country.
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