Sudan’s Armed Forces Demand RSF Surrender

Sudan’s civil war, now in its third year, shows no sign of abating as General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), declared that the conflict will only end with the “surrender” of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Speaking during an official visit to Ankara, al-Burhan rejected compromise solutions, insisting that the RSF must lay down arms to end the war.

“We are not talking about a military solution … the war will end after … arms are laid down,” al-Burhan said, emphasizing a maximalist stance against the paramilitary group.

The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire, warning of the “world’s worst humanitarian crisis” as civilians continue to suffer.

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Humanitarian Crisis Worsens: Starvation and Displacement

Millions of Sudanese are facing catastrophic conditions. In White Nile state, the city of Kosti is overwhelmed with displaced families surviving on bread and boiled lentils.

Al Jazeera reported nearly 12 million people living in limbo, with civilians facing hunger and critical shortages of medicine.

Ahmed Adam of the Sudanese Red Crescent highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian aid:

“We have a real shortage of food items, medicine, especially medication for children. We need help from charity organisations.”

The crisis is exacerbated by international funding cuts, with the UN halving its 2026 appeal to $23 billion. The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that rations could be reduced by up to 70 percent, threatening the lives of 21 million people facing starvation.

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‘Ghost Towns’ Emerge Amid Ongoing Battles

As famine spreads, the conflict continues to empty towns across Darfur and Kordofan. Al Jazeera’s Hassan Razzaq reported that towns in North Darfur and North Kordofan have been completely abandoned due to escalating battles.

• In North Kordofan, the RSF is advancing toward el-Obeid, while SAF strengthens defenses, creating volatile “hit-and-run” clashes in nearby towns like al-Dankouj.
• South Kordofan faces long-term sieges in Kadugli and Dilling, leaving residents trapped in deteriorating conditions.

Razzaq noted that both sides are now using drones and long-range heavy artillery to breach defenses in mountainous regions, increasing civilian vulnerability.

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The Toll on Civilians

The ongoing civil war has led to mass displacement, hunger, and insecurity across Sudan. Many areas resemble ghost towns, with residents fleeing in search of food, shelter, and safety. The combination of prolonged sieges, aerial attacks, and collapsed humanitarian aid has created a dire situation for millions.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and humanitarian agencies continue to call for urgent international intervention to prevent further deaths from starvation and conflict.

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Conclusion

Sudan remains in a state of severe crisis, with Abdel Fattah al-Burhan insisting on RSF surrender as the only path to peace. Meanwhile, millions of Sudanese face starvation, displacement, and siege warfare, turning once-thriving towns into ghostly landscapes. The humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan highlights the urgent need for global support and conflict resolution efforts.