Sudan’s military forces have made significant advances in the ongoing conflict by seizing control of a crucial bridge that links the eastern part of Khartoum to the south. This development comes shortly after the army regained control of the northern section of the capital from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). As the conflict approaches its two-year mark, the Sudanese army has recently recaptured substantial areas within Khartoum and its outskirts from the RSF, which has been engaged in fierce battles for control.
Despite the army’s progress, the RSF still maintains control over key strategic locations, including the central market, the presidential palace, and several residential districts in the south and west. The RSF also holds portions of the Kordofan region and much of Darfur, where it is currently besieging the army and allied forces in el-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur. Reports indicate that the RSF launched an assault on the Zamzam displacement camp, which is struggling with famine, as it seeks to strengthen its position in this critical area.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has escalated dramatically, with an estimated 11.4 million people displaced since the conflict erupted in April 2023. Among them, around three million have fled to neighboring countries, while over eight million are internally displaced. The international community has expressed concern over the situation, with neighboring countries advocating for an end to the violence. However, peace negotiations held in various cities, including Jeddah, Cairo, and Geneva, have yet to yield results.
Both the RSF and the Sudanese army have expressed a willingness to negotiate, but their conditions for dialogue remain incompatible, with each side believing they can achieve a decisive victory on the battlefield. This stalemate continues to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
At a recent high-level humanitarian conference in Addis Ababa, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the conditions in Sudan as catastrophic, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention. He emphasized the necessity of halting the flow of arms into the country, which he believes is fueling the ongoing violence and civilian suffering. Guterres reported that nearly 25 million people in Sudan are facing acute hunger and called for a ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery. He urged global leaders to increase their efforts to support the Sudanese people and address the escalating crisis ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.