Sudan’s Burhan says army withdrew from El Fasher to spare city’s destruction

October 27, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, said on Monday his forces withdrew from the North Darfur capital of El Fasher to spare the city from further destruction, after its main base fell to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over the weekend.

In a televised address, Burhan said he approved the withdrawal to “spare the remaining citizens and the rest of the city from destruction” following what he called the “systematic destruction and killing of civilians.”

The RSF took control of the army’s last stronghold in the city on Saturday. The army had defended the base since May 2024 amid a worsening siege and food and supply shortages.

“We can turn the tables every time, and we can return every land desecrated by these traitors to the nation’s fold,” Burhan said, vowing to retake the city and other areas under RSF control.

Following the city’s capture, reports emerged of widespread violations by the RSF, including the execution of soldiers and the arrest of civilians, such as journalist Moamar Ibrahim.

Burhan pledged to seek retribution for the events in El Fasher and to hold perpetrators accountable for violations committed across Sudan.

The army command accused the RSF of destroying all health facilities, water sources, and power stations in El Fasher and committing crimes including murder, mass killings, sexual violence, and forced displacement.

“The people will triumph, and the armed forces will triumph because they are supported by the people,” Burhan said, referring to allied groups fighting alongside the military.