The leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) said Sunday that his fighters have withdrawn from Khartoum, ending nearly two years of control over the capital during the ongoing civil war.
Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, confirmed in a voice message on Telegram that RSF troops pulled back last week. “It’s true that in the past few days there was a withdrawal by forces [from Khartoum] to reposition in Omdurman,” he said. “This was a tactical decision made by the leadership.”
The statement came days after the Sudanese army declared Khartoum “free” of militia control after recapturing key sites in Khartoum including the Khartoum International Airport and the presidential palace.
Despite the retreat, Dagalo said the fight is far from over. “We have neither agreement nor discussion with them – only the language of arms,” he said. He also promised the RSF would return to Khartoum “stronger, more powerful and victorious.”
On Saturday, army chief Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan ruled out any reconciliation. He said the military would crush the RSF and offer amnesty only to fighters who surrendered and “repented to the truth.”
In recent days, the Sudanese army also seized a major market in Omdurman, Khartoum’s twin city, which had been used by the RSF for attacks. Al Jazeera reported that the army now controls most of Omdurman, home to two large military bases, and is focused on securing the entire capital, which consists of the cities of Khartoum, Omdurman, and Khartoum North.
The conflict in Sudan’s capital has displaced over 12 million people and claimed tens of thousands of lives.
The RSF has been accused of committing widespread ethnic massacres, systematic sexual violence, and targeted attacks on civilians. In January, the United States officially declared the group responsible for genocide and imposed sanctions on Dagalo.
