RSF Acknowledges Retreat From Khartoum, Vows Return

Khartoum, Sudan – In a significant turn of events in the ongoing Sudanese conflict, the commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, has admitted that his forces have withdrawn from the capital city of Khartoum. This admission comes after months of intense fighting with the Sudanese army and marks a potential shift in the dynamics of the nearly two-year-long war.

Tactical Repositioning or Defeat?

Dagalo, in an audio message released Sunday, stated that the withdrawal was a "tactical decision" made by the RSF leadership to reposition its forces in Omdurman, a neighboring city within the Khartoum capital region. He framed the move as part of a broader strategy and assured his fighters that they would return to Khartoum "stronger, more powerful and victorious."

However, the Sudanese army has presented a different narrative, claiming that its forces successfully cleared the last pockets of RSF resistance in Khartoum Governorate. The army stated that the RSF withdrawal was not part of any agreement but rather a "shameful escape" in the face of military pressure, leaving behind dead soldiers and equipment.

Army Claims Control, RSF Vows Continued Fight

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have asserted that they now control all of Khartoum, one of the three cities in the capital region, including Omdurman and Bahri. On March 26, the army announced it had regained control of Khartoum International Airport, a strategic hub that had been held by the RSF since April 2023.

Despite these claims, Dagalo has vowed that the fight against the Sudanese army is far from over. "All those who think that there are negotiations or agreements in process with this diabolical movement are mistaken," he said, referring to the army. "We have neither agreement nor discussion with them – only the language of arms."

Army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan echoed this sentiment, stating that there would be no compromise or negotiation and that victory would only be complete when "the last rebel has been eradicated from the last corner of Sudan."

A Nation Divided

The conflict between the SAF and RSF erupted in April 2023 over tensions linked to a planned political transition. The war has created a deep divide within Sudan, with the army holding sway in the east and north, while the RSF controls most of the Darfur region in the west and parts of the south.

The fighting has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations describing it as one of the worst in the world. More than 12 million people have been uprooted, tens of thousands have been killed, and a UN-backed assessment has declared famine in parts of the country. Some reports estimate the death toll to be around 130,000.

International Concerns and Calls for Peace

The international community has expressed grave concerns about the situation in Sudan and has called for an immediate end to the fighting. The UN has warned of an impending humanitarian catastrophe as millions face famine and death due to food shortages.

Pope Francis, recovering from an illness, issued written prayers and urged new negotiations as soon as possible in Sudan. However, with both sides vowing to continue fighting, the prospects for a peaceful resolution remain uncertain.

Implications of the RSF Withdrawal

The RSF's withdrawal from Khartoum could have several implications for the conflict. It may allow the army to consolidate its control over the capital and focus its resources on other fronts. However, it could also lead to a shift in the RSF's strategy, with the group potentially focusing on strengthening its control over other regions of the country.

The withdrawal could also open the door for new negotiations or mediation efforts. However, the deep-seated animosity and distrust between the two sides will make any such efforts extremely challenging.

A Bleak Outlook

As the conflict in Sudan continues, the humanitarian situation is likely to worsen. The country's healthcare system has collapsed, and accurate casualty counts are nearly impossible to verify. The UN has warned that Sudan is nearing famine, and millions of people are in desperate need of food, water, and medical care.

The RSF's withdrawal from Khartoum marks a significant development in the conflict, but it is unlikely to bring an end to the fighting. The war has created a deep divide within Sudan, and both sides appear determined to continue fighting until they achieve their objectives. The future of Sudan remains uncertain, and the country faces a long and difficult road ahead.