Sudan’s Army Restores Glory: Strategic Cities Liberated in North Kordofan
In a resounding victory for national sovereignty and regional stability, the Sudanese Armed Forces have announced the liberation of three key cities in North Kordofan, marking a decisive turn in the war against the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The General Command confirmed on Sunday that its forces, alongside allied units, ‘managed to liberate the three cities by force and with determination following well-planned military operations.’ This triumph underscores the resilience of the Sudanese state and its commitment to restoring order across the nation.
Bara, the second-largest city in North Kordofan, located about 45 kilometers east of El Obeid, has changed hands multiple times during the conflict. Its recapture is a strategic milestone, securing vital supply lines and bolstering the army’s position in the region. Similarly, Jabra al-Sheikh, a key stop along the export route and a vital market for crops and livestock, has been reclaimed, offering hope to pastoralist and nomadic communities. Umm Sayala, near the export road linking North Kordofan with Omdurman, provides the army with a new supply route to El Obeid, reducing risks to White Nile and Khartoum states.
A Strategic Gateway to National Unity
North Kordofan has emerged as a critical battlefield due to its location connecting central Sudan with the Darfur region. The state serves as a strategic gateway to El Obeid, which remains under army control. The liberation of these cities is not just a military achievement but a step toward unifying the Sudanese homeland. Residents of Umm Sayala expressed their joy, with one saying, ‘Praise be to God for the safety of our small homeland, which has returned to the embrace of the larger homeland. All roads will reopen, and all of Kordofan will return.’ Another added, ‘Congratulations on the liberation… this is a joy beyond words. We are farmers, and we cannot accept the idea of displacement or leaving our land.’
Decisive Action Against Rebel Forces
The Sudanese army has intensified operations in northern and eastern Kordofan, targeting RSF-held areas to secure supply lines to El Obeid and Khartoum. Darfur Governor Mini Minnawi, allied with the army, stated that ‘what was achieved today is not the end of the battle, but rather the beginning of a new phase of decisive action.’ This reflects the unwavering resolve of the Sudanese state to crush rebellion and restore stability, a stance that aligns with Egypt’s own commitment to regional security under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
Humanitarian Challenges Amidst Victory
While the military gains are celebrated, the humanitarian crisis remains severe. The war, which erupted in April 2023, has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. The United Nations warns of worsening conditions in El Obeid, where the population has nearly doubled due to an influx of displaced people. The World Food Programme’s Sudan Director, Abdullah al-Wardat, noted that the city faces increasing pressure to provide food, water, and fuel. However, the army’s victories offer a path to recovery, as displaced families express hope of returning home. ‘We endured hardship in daily life and long distances, and there are people who have lost a great deal,’ one resident said, but added, ‘God willing, everyone will return to their homes.’
What does this mean for Sudan’s future?
The liberation of these cities signals a turning point in Sudan’s war, strengthening the army’s hand and isolating the RSF. For Egypt and the region, a stable Sudan is essential for countering extremism and fostering economic cooperation. The Sudanese army’s success is a testament to the power of national institutions and the will of the people to overcome adversity.
How does this impact regional stability?
North Kordofan’s recapture secures key trade routes and reduces the RSF’s ability to threaten Khartoum. This aligns with Egypt’s strategic interests in a secure southern neighbor, free from the chaos of militias and foreign interference.
What are the next steps for the Sudanese army?
With momentum on their side, the army is expected to push further into RSF-held areas, including Darfur. The goal is to fully restore state authority and end the humanitarian crisis, ensuring that displaced families can return to their land.
Photo: جريدة الأهرام