Sudan's Military Conflict Escalates with Closure of Negotiations
In a significant development in Sudan's ongoing conflict, Shams El Din Kabbashi, a member of the Sovereignty Council and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Army, announced the cessation of negotiations with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Speaking at the Sennar Sugar Factory, which the army recently recaptured from the RSF, Kabbashi emphasized a commitment to a military solution, dismissing any possibility of a ceasefire or truce. He called for the RSF to surrender their weapons and return to designated camps, marking a decisive shift in the military's approach to the conflict.
The Sennar Sugar Factory, a major production site in Sudan, has suffered extensive damage during the RSF's five-month occupation, which Kabbashi described as a systematic effort to destroy the country's infrastructure. The Sudanese army has pledged to rebuild the factory, which is emblematic of the broader destruction wrought by the RSF across the nation.
Renewed Clashes and Military Strategy
As hostilities reignite, clashes between the Sudanese army and the RSF have intensified in several regions, particularly in North Kordofan and Al-Jazeera State. The RSF launched a surprise attack on army positions in North Kordofan, creating initial confusion for the army. However, the army managed to regroup and repel the attack, inflicting significant losses on the RSF in both personnel and equipment.
In Al-Jazeera State, fierce battles are ongoing as the army attempts to reclaim the city of Wad Madani, facing formidable defenses from the RSF. Reports indicate that the army is making advances towards strategic areas surrounding the city, despite the challenges posed by the RSF's entrenched positions.
Diplomatic Efforts Amidst Conflict
In a related political development, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aati visited Sudan to discuss the situation and deliver a message from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The Egyptian government has expressed its commitment to supporting Sudan's return to active participation in the African Union and has emphasized the importance of cooperation on Nile water issues, which are critical for both nations.
The conflict, which began in mid-April 2023, has resulted in over 20,000 deaths and displaced more than 14 million people, according to UN estimates. The international community continues to call for an end to the violence, as the humanitarian crisis deepens, threatening millions with famine and severe shortages of essential resources.
