Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, visited the recaptured headquarters in Khartoum two days after its retrieval from paramilitary forces. This has been one of the army’s most significant victories since the conflict began. The war has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and regions facing famine.
On Sunday, Sudan’s Army Chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, visited the recently recaptured headquarters in Khartoum. This visit occurred two days after the military regained control of the building, previously surrounded by paramilitary forces since the start of the war in April 2023. “Our forces are in their best condition,” stated al-Burhan to commanding officers during the visit, emphasizing military readiness and morale.
The recapture of the General Command building represents a significant achievement for the army, marking its most notable victory in Khartoum since reclaiming Omdurman nearly a year prior. The military reported that troops stationed in Khartoum North and Omdurman have been consolidated at the headquarters. The previous encirclement by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had restricted access to the headquarters for months.
Since the conflict’s onset, the RSF encircled both military sites in Khartoum North and across the Blue Nile, forcing the army to rely on airdrops to supply forces within the headquarters. Al-Burhan himself was trapped inside the headquarters for four months before successfully escaping to Port Sudan in August 2023.
Recently, the army has made several gains, including the recovery of control over Wad Madani, a strategic location just south of Khartoum. This development facilitates vital connections to surrounding regions. However, the ongoing conflict has precipitated a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, as reported by the United Nations.
The UN indicates that over 12 million individuals have been displaced due to the violence. Regions in Sudan have declared famine, with risks of food insecurity extending to millions more. In December, then US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the dire conditions, noting that desperation has driven some to consume grass and peanut shells.
The current conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023 between government forces and paramilitary groups, primarily the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This ongoing violence has resulted in severe humanitarian consequences, including large-scale displacement and food shortages. The military’s recapture of strategic locations such as the General Command headquarters signals potential shifts in power dynamics amid widespread chaos and suffering.
The recent visit of army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to the reclaimed headquarters signifies a pivotal moment for the Sudanese military amidst the ongoing conflict. Although the army has achieved some victories, the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, with millions affected and widespread suffering reported. The commitment to addressing these challenges remains critical for Sudan’s future stability.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
