Khartoum Liberated: Sudanese Armed Forces Launch Strategic Offensive Against RSF
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have embarked on a decisive campaign to reclaim Sudan's capital city on Wednesday March 26, Khartoum, from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This offensive has led to the systematic liberation of military bases, public institutions, and neighborhoods where civilians had been trapped under occupation. A poignant milestone in this mission was the raising of the Sudanese flag by two SAF soldiers on the tarmac of Khartoum International Airport, an area seized by RSF paramilitary forces nearly two years ago.
With the presidential palace in central Khartoum now under their control, the SAF is advancing into long-occupied districts, where many civilians remain stranded. These efforts aim to restore governance and reestablish authority over critical institutions. The RSF had reportedly restricted civilian movement throughout their two-year occupation, intensifying the humanitarian crisis.
As the SAF continues its progress, scenes of celebration are unfolding across downtown Khartoum, reflecting the relief and support of residents. From a strategic perspective, SAF troops bypassed the Jebel Aulia bridge, isolating RSF units in southern Khartoum and severing their routes to western Sudan. Along the White Nile and Blue Nile axes, substantial gains have been made, including the liberation of the Al Bageir military base. Soldiers entering central Khartoum have faced minimal resistance, boosting morale among civilians.
Critical installations like the Air Defense Headquarters have been reclaimed, further destabilizing RSF operations. Meanwhile, RSF forces are retreating en masse across the Jebel Aulia bridge toward the western bank of the White Nile, with SAF artillery and airstrikes targeting their convoys and adding pressure on their withdrawal.
Public support for the SAF remains steadfast in liberated zones throughout the capital. Disturbing reports have surfaced regarding malnutrition and abuse among RSF captives, highlighting the severe humanitarian toll of the conflict. Over the past two years, thousands of RSF captives in Khartoum have reportedly succumbed to mistreatment and torture.
The RSF’s grip in Khartoum has effectively crumbled, with troops either encircled, surrendering, or fleeing. Confirmed reports show SAF forces advancing along the southeastern part of the city, near the Blue Nile, while local sources contacted by Africa Security Analysis indicate that central Khartoum has been fully secured. Efforts to stabilize and clear the city are progressing rapidly.
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Ituri Under Surveillance
Rising Security Concerns The political fragmentation in eastern DRC continues to threaten the fragile stability of Ituri. The failure of the Doha process and the breakdown of the republican pact could pave the way for a new wave of unrest in the region. On April 22, 2025, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, met with leaders of the Lendu militia CODECO (Cooperative for the Development of the Congo) in Entebbe. Officially, the meeting was convened to address CODECO’s attack on Ugandan military positions in Ituri, a confrontation that adds to past clashes between the group and the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Key Figures and Discussions The CODECO delegation, led by Dunji Kulukpa Etienne (Vice President of the Lendu community), included political and militant representatives. On the Ugandan side, top-ranking officials participated: • General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, CDF • Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, Land Forces Commander • Major General Felix Busizoori, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division • Brigadier General Oscar Munanura, Deputy Assistant Chief of Intelligence and Security Earlier in the week, CODECO leaders had already engaged with Ugandan military commanders. During the Entebbe meeting, Mr. Dunji expressed gratitude for Uganda’s reception and apologized for the Fataki clashes between CODECO and the UPDF. He claimed the militia had been influenced by external forces and emphasized that the Lendu, Balega, and Bahema communities do not view Uganda as an adversary. Dunji also highlighted Ituri’s worsening humanitarian crisis, attributing it to political divisions, while praising Uganda’s contributions in healthcare, refugee assistance, and economic aid. Uganda’s Expanding Influence in Ituri General Kainerugaba reaffirmed Uganda’s historical presence in North Kivu and Ituri, citing counter-insurgency operations dating back to the early 2000s. He urged CODECO leaders to collaborate with the UPDF in pursuit of a lasting peace. As a demonstration of goodwill, Ugandan forces provided free medical care to wounded CODECO fighters. Strategic Implications: A Larger Agenda? While Uganda frames this meeting as a step toward reconciliation, analysts at African Security Analysis suggest a deeper motive. They argue that the gathering was part of a broader effort to integrate CODECO into the militant coalition led by Thomas Lubanga, potentially setting the stage for coordinated offensives in Ituri, particularly targeting Bunia. If confirmed, this would signal a significant shift in the security landscape, with Uganda deepening its influence in Ituri under the guise of conflict resolution. The region remains under scrutiny as stakeholders assess the evolving dynamics.
Strengthening Maritime Security and Navigating Sahelian Integration Challenges
On 23 April, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) will convene its fourth session under the theme “The Imperative of a Combined Maritime Task Force in Addressing Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.” Over the last decade, Gulf of Guinea states have deepened regional cooperation and harnessed digital technologies to bolster Maritime Domain Awareness, driving piracy incidents down from 84 in 2020 to just 18 in 2024. Yet much of this capability rests on platforms developed, financed, and controlled by external partners, leaving coastal states exposed to shifting geopolitical winds.
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