Sudan’s army chief vows to defeat paramilitary RSF, rules out any reconciliation

KHARTOUM, Sudan/ISTANBUL

Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Thursday pledged to defeat the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), ruling out any chance of reconciliation.

Speaking at a military ceremony in the ancient site of Meroe, Burhan, who heads Sudan’s ruling Sovereign Council, said the armed forces would keep fighting “no matter the cost” and “will not betray the sacrifices” of those killed in the conflict.

He praised troops holding their ground in key cities such as El-Fasher, Babnousa, and Kadugli, saying they continue to defend the country “on all fronts.”

In recent weeks, the RSF has lost territory to the army, which regained control of several areas, including Khartoum and White Nile states. The paramilitary group now holds parts of North and West Kordofan, pockets in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, and four of Darfur’s five states.

The army and RSF have been fighting a war since April 2023 that has killed more than 20,000 victims and displaced 14 million, according to the UN and local authorities. Research from US universities, however, estimates the death toll at around 130,000.