Sudan

Sudan's RSF Admits Khartoum Retreat as Army Claims Victory

MAR 31 2025·Updated APR 1 2025

Story

Above: Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo speaks at a press conference in Khartoum on Aug. 10, 2022. Image credit: Photo by Mahmoud Hjaj/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The Facts

On Sunday, the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, officially acknowledged the paramilitary group's withdrawal from Sudan's capital, Khartoum, marking a significant moment in the country's civil war.
France 24
Al Jazeera
In the last month, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, reclaimed control of several strategic locations in Khartoum, including the presidential palace and international airport, pushing the RSF out of the city.
FOX News
Al Jazeera
In an audio message recorded for Eid al-Fitr, the RSF leader claimed the withdrawal "was a tactical decision made by the leadership," and promised they would return to Khartoum "stronger, more powerful, and victorious."
Rapid Support Forces
Khartoum's recapture is a triumph for SAF, which, according to the Critical Threats Project, grants it control of the eastern bank of the River Nile, from which further SAF offensives can be launched, and bolsters its political claim to rule Sudan.
Critical Threats
Following the Battle of Khartoum, both leaders rejected the prospect of negotiations, with al-Burhan declaring that the SAF would "neither forgive, nor compromise, nor negotiate." Dagalo, meanwhile, insisted there would be "only the language of arms."
RFI
Suna-Sd
Rapid Support Forces
The ongoing conflict has created what the African Union describes as "the worst humanitarian crisis in the world," with tens of thousands killed, more than 11 million displaced, and famine confirmed in parts of the country, according to the U.N.
Facebook
UN News

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

The SAF's Liberation of Khartoum represents a decisive victory for Sudan and for restoring national unity and stability. The SAF's military operations will continue until the last rebel is eliminated in the last corner of Sudan — there will be no quarter for the RSF and no negotiation amounting to less than their total, unconditional surrender.

Suna-Sd

Narrative B

The orderly withdrawal from Khartoum was a strategic repositioning of RSF forces, taken collectively by the leadership. It was not — contrary to the lies of the SAF — a defeat. Far from being over, the war has only just begun, and the RSF will return more powerful than before to defeat the extremist SAF.

Rapid Support Forces