Sudanese army regains control of state broadcaster in major setback for RSF

KHARTOUM – In a dawn operation on Tuesday, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) successfully seized control of the Sudan Radio & Television headquarters in Omdurman after engaging in a protracted battle with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This development represents a significant setback for the RSF, which had maintained control of the building since the onset of the conflict on April 15, 2023.

The skirmishes around the Sudan Radio & Television premises have intensified over the past few days, with the army advancing to within a radius of approximately 900 meters from the western flank of the building, breaching the Khalifa fence ground. The decisive battle, leading to the capture of the TV headquarters, commenced around 1:00 AM on Tuesday, as a substantial force with hundreds of armored vehicles launched an assault from the west in a bid to rescue the besieged forces inside the TV headquarters.

Footage circulating online, shared by pro-Sudanese army accounts, depicts numerous destroyed military vehicles belonging to the RSF. In an official statement, the Sudanese Army proclaimed the successful capture of the state TV building and attributed the triumph to the resilience of the Sudanese people.

“Your armed forces, in collaboration with other regular forces and patriotic citizens, have today reclaimed the headquarters of the national broadcasting corporation from the clutches of the terrorist Daglo militia and foreign mercenaries,” the statement, obtained by Sudans Post, asserted. “This significant victory is dedicated to the courageous Sudanese populace, whose unwavering support has been instrumental.”

The SAF’s seizure of the state broadcaster forms part of an ongoing counteroffensive launched by the army approximately one month ago. This offensive recently saw the breaking of a long-standing siege imposed by the RSF on the Corps of Engineers in southern Omdurman, culminating in mid-February.

Yesterday, Sudanese army units were observed near the southern sector of the western entrance to the Shambat Bridge, having secured control of the Beit al-Mal Sports Club and subsequently expanding their presence southward to encompass the entire Beit al-Mal neighborhood. The Sudan Radio & TV headquarters is situated in Hai el-Malazemin, south of the western approach to the Shambat Bridge.

Meanwhile, in the eastern region of the country, another offensive is underway, with the army deploying thousands of troops in a bid to recapture Wad Madani, the capital of neighboring Al-Gezira State. Wad Madani fell to the paramilitary group in December, prompting the dismissal of the 1st infantry division commander amid allegations of sabotage.

Although the army has made some gains, including the recapture of the Sugar company in Sennar state along the border with Al Gezira, significant victories have yet to be achieved on this front.