The Sudanese army, in conjunction with allied Joint Force units, has successfully liberated the strategic town of Sodari in North Kordofan state. This development comes amid ongoing hostilities in Sudan, with the army's efforts aimed at restoring state authority and protecting civilians from abuses. According to the Sudanese embassy in Nigeria, the army, along with the Joint Force, a coalition of Darfur armed movements, engaged in sustained fighting against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) positions, ultimately gaining full control of the town.
The liberation of Sodari marks a significant milestone in the army's westward campaign, which began in late July. During this campaign, the army seized control of a strategic export route linking El Obeid, the North Kordofan state capital, to Khartoum, as well as several other towns. These include Bara, Jibrah al-Sheikh, Um Qirfa, Jurayjikh, and Um Sayyala. The army's continued advance has resulted in a steady degradation of RSF capabilities in the region, with the military spokesperson citing significant losses inflicted on the RSF in personnel and equipment.
The army's advance on Sodari was preceded by the recapture of 11 additional areas along the same corridor. This progress has been accompanied by efforts to protect the army's supply lines, including the interception of a long-range drone near Al-Kukaiti. The Sudanese embassy stated that the military operations are part of a sustained campaign to restore state authority across Western Sudan and protect civilians from RSF abuses.
The RSF's retreat from towns across Kordofan has been marked by a pattern of destruction, with medical staff in Sodari reporting that the militia looted and wrecked the town's main hospital before withdrawing. This has cut off healthcare access for over 50,000 people, exacerbating the humanitarian situation in the region. The Sudanese Sovereign Council has announced that the army's continued advance aims to fully clear the country of the paramilitary force.
The liberation of Sodari has been documented through footage circulated by various channels, showing troops and allied fighters inside the town. The RSF had held Sodari since the early months of the war it launched against the Sudanese state in April 2023. The army's efforts to regain control of the town have been part of a broader strategy to weaken the RSF and restore state authority.
The Sudanese embassy in Nigeria disclosed the development, citing the military spokesperson and the media and communications department. The statement read that the government troops and allied fighters took full control of the town following sustained engagement with RSF positions. This development is seen as a significant blow to the RSF, which has been responsible for various abuses in areas under its control.
The army's campaign to clear the country of the RSF is ongoing, with the military operations aimed at protecting civilians and restoring state authority. The Sudanese Sovereign Council has emphasized that the army will sustain its actions until the country is fully cleared of the paramilitary force. The international community has been watching the developments in Sudan closely, with concerns about the humanitarian situation and the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Key points
- The Sudanese army has liberated the strategic town of Sodari in North Kordofan state, dealing a significant blow to the Rapid Support Forces.
- The army's advance is part of a sustained campaign to restore state authority across Western Sudan and protect civilians from RSF abuses.
- The RSF's retreat has been marked by a pattern of destruction, including the looting and wrecking of the town's main hospital, cutting off healthcare access for over 50,000 people.
