Africa File
The Africa File provides regular analysis and assessments of major developments regarding state and nonstate actors’ activities in Africa that undermine regional stability and threaten US personnel and interests.
Sudanese Armed Forces Retake Central Khartoum in Ongoing Battle for Political Legitimacy
See the PDF executive summary of this development here.
Key Development
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on March 26 fully retook central Khartoum and are clearing the last pockets of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) resistance from the greater Khartoum area, marking a major military and political victory for the SAF.
What's Next
SAF Clearing in Khartoum: The SAF has encircled the remaining RSF elements in southwestern Khartoum, where hundreds of RSF fighters are retreating into White Nile state across the Jebel Awliya Bridge—the RSF’s only exit out the city.
SAF Advances in Omdurman: The SAF has advanced in Omdurman--Khartoum's twin city on the west bank of the Nile River--over the past week, where the RSF has used its positions to shell and conduct drone strikes against the SAF in the greater capital area since the beginning of the civil war.
Implications
More Military Advances: The capture of Khartoum is a military victory that gives the SAF control of the eastern bank of the Nile River, which the SAF can use to prepare for future offensives against the RSF center of gravity in western Sudan.
Political Legitimacy: SAF control over Khartoum bolsters the SAF political claim to be the only legitimate ruler in Sudan. SAF leader Abdel Fattah al Burhan said on March 27 that Sudan is preparing for a civilian, technocratic government to take power.
External Involvement: Russia, Iran, Turkey, and Egypt have sent weapons--including drones--that the SAF have been critical in fighting in Khartoum, while the UAE has provided weapons and drone support to the RSF.
Future Outlook
SAF Advances West: The SAF has advanced westward from positions in central Sudan and recaptured several key state capitals from the RSF since November 2024.
RSF Doubles Down in Darfur: The RSF has intensified its efforts to defeat the SAF in western Sudan to consolidate control over the western half of the country and enforce a de facto partition.
Read the full report in the latest Africa File here.
