Sudan army denies RSF seizure of key city of Babnusa

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have rejected assertions by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that they have seized Babnusa, a strategic town in West Kordofan. In a statement on Tuesday, Sudans military government reported that it had successfully repelled an RSF assault.

The RSF had claimed the previous day that it had taken full control of Babnusa, an important city linking central Sudan to the Darfur region. Babnusa is a critical route, especially after the RSF gained complete control over Darfur last month.

Videos circulated by the RSF on Monday showed fighters capturing an army base in Babnusa following weeks of siege. Nevertheless, SAF insisted that combat is ongoing within the city. A military spokesperson said, The RSF launched another attack on the city, which our forces decisively repelled.

Al Jazeera correspondent Hiba Morgan from Khartoum reported, The army confirms its fighters remain in the city. However, the RSF has taken control of the army headquarters.

If the RSF consolidates Babnusa, it would strengthen its grip on West Kordofan and control key routes to western Sudan. For the Sudanese army to reach parts of Darfur or Kordofan, Babnusa is essential, Morgan noted, emphasizing the strategic importance of the town.

Intense clashes were also reported in other areas of Kordofan, including southern Abbasiya Tagali. The RSFs offensive in Babnusa follows its capture of el-Fasher, the last army stronghold in Darfur.

Witnesses and aid agencies have documented serious human rights abuses by the RSF, including mass killings, sexual violence, and kidnappings. The latest confrontations appear to violate the unilateral ceasefire previously announced by the RSF after mediation by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the United States.

The SAF rejected the ceasefire, claiming it favored the RSF, and accused the group of continuing attacks. The military called the truce a political and media ploy to conceal RSF movements and Emirati support fueling the conflict. The UAE has denied involvement despite allegations of providing financial and military assistance to the RSF.

Analysts warn that if Babnusa falls, the RSF may advance toward el-Obeid in North Kordofan. Kholood Khair, director of Confluence Advisory, stated, Capturing Babnusa would deliver a major economic and political gain, bringing the RSF closer to Khartoum.

Previously expelled from the capital in March, the RSF now appears to regain momentum. Having lost Darfur, the SAF faces the risk of losing Kordofan as well. Sudanese political analyst Dallia Abdelmoniem highlighted that the RSFs ally, SPLM-N, already controls the Nuba Mountains region of South Kordofan, further strengthening their position.

Author: Sophia Brooks