Sudan’s Burhan Rejects Talks as Fighting and Displacement Spread

Sudan’s military chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has rejected negotiations with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), saying his forces will continue fighting until they regain territory controlled by the paramilitary group. Speaking in northern Sudan, al-Burhan said the military option would continue and pledged to retake “every inch” of territory held by the RSF. His position comes as fighting continues to spread across several parts of Sudan, with civilians bearing much of the impact. At least 10 civilians were reportedly killed in an RSF attack in West Kordofan, according to a local charity gr

Sudan’s military chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has rejected negotiations with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), saying his forces will continue fighting until they regain territory controlled by the paramilitary group. Speaking in northern Sudan, al-Burhan said the military option would continue and pledged to retake “every inch” of territory held by the RSF. His position comes as fighting continues to spread across several parts of Sudan, with civilians bearing much of the impact. At least 10 civilians were reportedly killed in an RSF attack in West Kordofan, according to a local charity group. Several others were wounded, while a local emergency committee accused the RSF of further violations against civilians in Abu Ajal village. In Blue Nile state, the International Organization for Migration said more than 5,500 people were displaced from villages over three days as security conditions deteriorated. The latest developments come as the Sudanese army advances in parts of North Kordofan, while the RSF continues to maintain positions and launch attacks in other areas. Sudan has been at war since April 2023, when tensions between the army and the RSF erupted into open fighting over the future of the country and plans to integrate the paramilitary force into the military. The conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced around 13 million people, according to UN and international estimates. While al-Burhan is rejecting negotiations, diplomatic efforts are continuing. US senior adviser for Arab and African affairs Massad Boulos has called for a Sudanese-led national dialogue and a transition towards civilian government. The contrast is becoming increasingly clear: while diplomatic efforts call for a political path out of the war, Sudan's military leadership is publicly committing to continue the fight. For millions of Sudanese displaced by the conflict, the latest escalation means the search for safety continues as the possibility of a negotiated end remains uncertain.