Twenty hours after RSF’s initial announcement and despite widespread denials on social media by army-affiliated sources, General Al-Burhan delivered a brief televised address confirming the fall of the city. Appearing without his usual military attire and signature gestures, he spoke with a somber expression and a terse tone.
Condemnation and Vow of Retaliation
The army chief condemned the atrocities committed by RSF fighters and pledged a firm response:
“The Sudanese people will win this war. We are determined to take revenge.”
He also accused the international community of remaining silent in the face of reported crimes, promising that perpetrators would be prosecuted and mercenaries “exterminated.”
RSF’s Rapid Military Advance
Within 72 hours, RSF forces achieved a dramatic breakthrough, dislodging government troops and allied militias from three strategic cities: El-Fasher, Bara, and Zariba. This swift advance highlights the vulnerability of Sudan’s defensive lines and marks a turning point in the conflict.
A Military Deadlock?
According to the Center for Development and the Prevention of Extremism (CEDPE), the conflict is unlikely to produce a clear victor. The only viable outcome would be a negotiated settlement between the warring parties. This escalation coincides with efforts by the Mediation Quartet to secure a three-month ceasefire, an initiative the army appears to reject in favor of continued military operations.
