Sudan army chief vows to break RSF sieges in Darfur and Kordofan, rules out talks
March 29, 2025 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, pledged on Saturday to break sieges imposed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Kordofan and Darfur regions and ruled out negotiations with the group, following recent military advances.
The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF erupted in mid-April 2023, devastating the capital and other regions and triggering a major humanitarian crisis.
The RSF is currently besieging El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, and Babanusa in West Kordofan state. It also imposes partial sieges on El Obeid in North Kordofan and Dilling in South Kordofan, according to reports and residents.
In a speech marking the Eid al-Fitr holiday, Burhan, who also heads the ruling Sovereign Council, paid tribute to groups fighting alongside the SAF. He singled out fighters in North Darfur and Kordofan for enduring the sieges, adding: “We are coming.”
Burhan said alleged atrocities by the RSF meant there was no room for dealing with the group or its backers. “We will not forgive, we will not compromise, we will not negotiate, and we will not break our covenant with the martyrs,” he said.
His comments follow army advances in recent months, including retaking control of Sennar and Gezira states, parts of the capital Khartoum, and the towns of Um Ruwaba and Rahad in North Kordofan.
Al-Burhan’s rejection of talks comes after recent rumours about upcoming negotiations with the RSF after the recapture of Khartoum.
Burhan said peace would still be possible if the RSF had laid down its weapons. This would end the suffering of citizens under RSF control, particularly in besieged El Fasher, he said, warning that otherwise the “aggressor will inevitably face the consequences.”
The army chief stressed his forces would not back down from defeating the RSF, but offered a potential amnesty. Pardons and resolution of fighters’ military status remained “possible and available to all those who lay down their arms and return to the right path,” he said.
Burhan appealed to people in RSF-controlled areas to withdraw support for what he termed the “colonial project” of the Daglo family, which leads the RSF, and protect their sons from being led “to ruin.”
The RSF draws significant support from some Arab tribes in Kordofan and Darfur, where community leaders have reportedly helped mobilize fighters.
Burhan stated the army stands equally with all citizens supporting it and defending Sudan. “There is no preference or bias towards any party at the expense of others,” he said. “The war of dignity has distinguished the wicked from the good, the patriot from the mercenary.”
He thanked countries and organizations he described as Sudan’s “brothers and friends” for supporting the state’s unity and stability, emphasizing that rebuilding the war-torn country’s infrastructure would require further efforts.
The government has begun seeking support for reconstruction, particularly after regaining control of most of Khartoum state. Saudi Arabia has expressed readiness to assist with the electricity, energy, health, and water sectors, according to state media.