Sudan's Army Gains Raise Hopes Amidst Expert Skepticism

The Sudanese army's recent successes on the battlefield have reignited hopes among supporters, but experts remain skeptical about the sustainability of these gains in the long run. In a significant victory on March 12, the army managed to recapture the national radio and television building in Omdurman, a key location in Sudan. This triumph followed a series of successful operations where the army broke an RSF siege to reclaim other neighborhoods in the same city. While these achievements have bolstered confidence in the army's capabilities, experts like Hagar Ali, who specializes in military-civilian relations in Sudan, urge caution. Ali emphasizes that seizing territory is one thing, but holding onto it is a different challenge altogether. The RSF, a paramilitary group notorious for alleged atrocities including summary executions and sexual violence, had previously captured Gezira state in a significant blow to the army. This raised doubts about the army's ability to protect civilians from the RSF's brutal tactics. The recapture of the radio and television building holds symbolic importance as it has historically been used by military leaders to announce coups. Now, it could serve as a strategic tool to bolster the army's war efforts. Despite the recent victories, concerns linger about the army's ability to make further significant gains against the RSF. Analyst Hamid Khalafallah casts doubt on the army's capacity to achieve more substantial victories, citing challenges in territories like Gezira where documenting human rights abuses is hindered by an internet blackout. The RSF leader, Mohamad Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo, has denied allegations of widespread abuses in Gezira, attributing them to rogue elements within the paramilitary force. While the army has received support from figures associated with the former President Omar al-Bashir's regime and has seen an influx of recruits, the sustainability of its current momentum remains uncertain. The Sudanese people, weary of conflict and yearning for peace and stability, are closely watching developments on the battlefield. As the army and the RSF continue their struggle for control, the ultimate hope is for a return to normalcy and security in Sudan.