How SAF successes in Sudan’s Kordofan could turn tide against the RSF

Khartoum, Sudan – The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) gained control over several strategically important villages and localities in west Kordofan this week, shifting the war against the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in its favour. On Friday, the Sudanese army took control of al-Khuwai, according to local media.

This is one of the main towns in West Kordofan and a strategically important site in the army’s ongoing campaign against the RSF in the resource-rich state, which began several weeks ago. So far, the offensive by the SAF and allied Darfur forces has succeeded in breaking the RSF siege on al-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, and surrounding areas.

The RSF, alongside its alleged allies in the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, led by Abdelaziz Al-Hilu, still holds al-Nuhud and parts of South Kordofan. But its recent defeats in southern and western Sudan could weaken the paramilitary’s ability to coopt tribal groups in the region.