Major General Hatem Bashat, former Egyptian consul in Sudan, warned that General Abdel Fattah Burhan’s army faces alarming developments reminiscent of the south’s historic secession.
Speaking on Sada El Balad’s “Nazra” program, Bashat said tensions escalated from April 14, 2023, as the Rapid Support Forces gained control in western Sudan.
He stressed that these shifts present unprecedented challenges, with the Burhan’s army struggling to counter the RSF’s growing influence and strategic moves.
Bashat noted the Burhan’s longstanding strength is now undermined by declining capabilities, leaving it vulnerable to RSF advances and prolonged conflict.
He described western Sudan as a relentless “accordion game,” with forces constantly advancing and retreating, making decisive victories increasingly elusive.
El Fasher has emerged as a critical battleground, where RSF consolidates power while Sudanese troops continue intense attempts to regain control.
The city’s strategic importance lies in its position as a major hub in western Sudan, vital for military and regional dominance.
Bashat highlighted RSF efforts to reach Kordofan and El-Baidh, signalling ambitions to expand influence and challenge the army across crucial regions.
He warned that these movements could escalate tensions further, complicating Sudan’s security landscape and creating the potential for extended clashes.
The former consul concluded that without resolution, the conflict risks plunging Sudan into a new, unstable chapter, echoing divisions from its past.
