Are Large-Scale Battles Ongoing Between Sudanese Army and Paramilitary Forces North of Khartoum?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Intense battles are ongoing between SAF and RSF in Omdurman.
- The SAF is close to clearing Khartoum State of RSF fighters.
- Kamil Idris has been appointed as the new Prime Minister.
- The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and mass displacement.
- The situation continues to evolve with potential implications for Sudan's future.
Khartoum, May 20 (NationPress) The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) reported on Tuesday that they have been engaged in combat with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since Monday in the western and southern parts of Omdurman city, situated north of the capital, Khartoum.
"Our forces are actively working to eliminate the remaining militia elements in western and southern Omdurman, while making progress to secure the Al-Salha area and its surroundings," stated SAF spokesperson Nabil Abdalla. He added that the SAF is approaching the complete liberation of Khartoum State from RSF fighters.
Videos circulating on social media depict the SAF making advances in Al-Salha of western Omdurman and within the RSF's headquarters, reportedly the last military base of the RSF in Khartoum State. A local eyewitness informed Xinhua news agency that the SAF "reclaimed the regions of Wad Bakrawi, Al-Qiaa, and the main market in Al-Salha" on Tuesday morning.
A military source, who wished to remain unnamed, indicated that the SAF has "gained control of the Al-Muthallath area, located west of the Jabal Awliya Dam," during their advance in southern Omdurman.
On Monday, the Chairman of Sudan's ruling Transitional Sovereign Council (TSC), Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, who also serves as the army chief, issued a constitutional decree appointing Kamil Idris as the new Prime Minister, as announced by the TSC's media office.
This appointment follows nearly three weeks after Al-Burhan designated Dafallah Al-Haj Ali as the acting Prime Minister and cabinet affairs minister.
The Prime Minister's position has been unoccupied since civilian leader Abdalla Hamdok resigned in January 2022 after a military coup led by Al-Burhan in October 2021.
This coup involved the brief detention of Hamdok and other senior officials, followed by his reinstatement under a fragile power-sharing agreement. Hamdok resigned shortly thereafter, plunging the nation into a political crisis.
Idris, a legal expert, has previously held positions as Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organisation and Secretary-General of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants.
Additionally, Al-Burhan announced another decree appointing Salma Abdul Jabbar al-Mubarak and Nawara Abu Muhammad Muhammad Taher as TSC members, representing central and eastern Sudan, as per the statement.
Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating conflict between the SAF and RSF since April 2023, resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of lives and forcing millions to flee their homes, both within Sudan and across its borders.