Sudanese Army Gains Territory, RSF Defections Increase

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have recently reported substantial territorial advances within North Kordofan province, coinciding with a significant increase in defections from the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These developments, observed towards the end of August 2026, indicate a potential shift in the trajectory of the ongoing conflict. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of Sudan's Transitional Sovereignty Council, is pursuing a diplomatic track in parallel with continued military operations.

Recent military actions undertaken by the SAF led to the recapture of several strategic locations. These include Bara, Jabra al-Sheikh, and Umm Sayala. This consolidation of positions has reportedly secured the vital Exports Road, which serves as a crucial logistical artery. Control over this road is anticipated to significantly disrupt the RSF's supply routes, particularly those connecting the capital, Khartoum, with western regions, thereby placing considerable pressure on the paramilitary group's operational capacity.

RSF Faces Internal Challenges

Adding to the operational difficulties encountered by the RSF, the SAF announced that over 600 RSF personnel defected in late August. This group notably included several field commanders. Such a wave of defections suggests potential internal divisions and weakening cohesion within the paramilitary organization, which could further diminish its overall fighting strength and effectiveness.

Against this backdrop of battlefield successes, General al-Burhan has put forth a proposal for a national dialogue. This political initiative is designed to complement existing military efforts, offering temporary legal immunity to prospective participants. However, the proposal explicitly excludes the leadership of the RSF from engaging in this dialogue, signaling the military's firm stance against the paramilitary group's command structure.

Government Prioritizes Military Resolution

Despite the overture for dialogue, officials within the Transitional Sovereignty Council maintain that a comprehensive resolution is contingent upon the RSF's complete withdrawal from urban centers. Deputy Chairman Malik Agar reiterated the government's primary focus on achieving a military resolution. He indicated that negotiations would be considered a secondary option, to be pursued only once the RSF meets specific withdrawal conditions. This position underscores the SAF's intent to leverage its recent gains to dictate the terms of any future political settlement.

The conflict, which initially erupted in April 2023, has had devastating consequences for Sudan, resulting in the displacement of millions of people and creating a severe humanitarian crisis. The SAF and RSF, who were once allies during the 2021 coup, have since engaged in a brutal power struggle that has destabilized the nation and derailed its path towards a democratic transition. International observers continue to monitor the situation closely, expressing significant concerns over the civilian toll and the broader regional implications of the protracted violence.