Sudan Army Breaks RSF Siege on Key Kordofan City Kadugli
In a significant escalation of military momentum, Sudan's armed forces have claimed to have shattered a prolonged siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan. This breakthrough, announced on February 3, 2026, comes mere days after a similar victory in the nearby city of Dilling, signaling a potential shift in the balance of power in the war-torn region.
The Breakthrough in Kadugli: A Turning Point?
The Sudanese military's advance into Kadugli marks the second major success in less than a week against the RSF paramilitaries, who have held the city under blockade since the civil war erupted in April 2023. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan's de facto leader, personally visited a public television station in Omdurman to declare the opening of a vital supply route to the besieged capital.
"I have no other statement than to say to the Sudanese people, congratulations for the opening of the road to Kadugli," al-Burhan stated, his words broadcast nationwide. "The armed forces will reach anywhere in Sudan." This bold assertion underscores the military's determination to reclaim territory lost to the RSF, particularly in the resource-rich Kordofan region.
RSF's Response and Ongoing Blockade
The RSF, allied with the Sudan People's Liberation Movement North in the Kadugli siege, has yet to issue an official comment on the military's claims. However, the paramilitary group's strategy has evolved since losing Khartoum to the army in March 2025. Shifting focus westward, the RSF captured el-Fasher in October 2025 and has intensified efforts to control central Kordofan, including seizing Sudan's largest oil field.
These blockades have not only choked military supplies but have also exacerbated a dire humanitarian crisis. The United Nations declared a famine in Kadugli last November, highlighting months of isolation from food and medical aid. Similar horrors unfolded in Dilling, 100 kilometers north, where the recent army breakthrough has begun to alleviate pressures.
Humanitarian Implications: Relief Amid Devastation
The opening of supply lines to Kadugli and Dilling could prove transformative for the region's civilians. Al Jazeera correspondent Hiba Morgan, reporting from a displacement camp in al-Dabbah, Northern Sudan, noted that while immediate changes are limited, the long-term impact is profound. "Now that the army has opened a supply route, markets will be reopened—eventually," she said. "For now, people are saying this is quite a major achievement."
Yet, the toll of the conflict remains staggering. More than 88,000 people have fled Kordofan since October 2025, with 80% of Kadugli's 147,000 residents—around 117,600 individuals—evacuated to safer areas. Across Sudan, 13.6 million have been uprooted, contributing to what the UN has labeled the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Hunger, disease, and violence have claimed countless lives, with recent RSF drone attacks in South Kordofan killing dozens.
The UN's rights chief has described the situation as one of 'horror and hell,' where women are defying traditional norms just to survive. Famine conditions, rampant illness, and destroyed infrastructure have left millions in peril, making these military gains a glimmer of hope for aid delivery.
Al-Burhan's Stance: No Truce with the Enemy
While celebrating the victories, al-Burhan was unequivocal about peace prospects. Addressing rumors of truces, he rejected any ceasefire that could bolster the RSF. "There will be no truce that would strengthen the enemy," he declared. "There will be no ceasefire that would allow this militia to stand on its feet again."
This hardline position reflects the deep-seated animosity fueling the war, which pits the military government against the RSF in a battle for control. Al-Burhan extended assurances to civilians in western hotspots like al-Geneina and al-Tina, promising the army's reach. "The armed forces are supported by the Sudanese people and by everyone who believes that the Sudanese people have a just cause," he added, framing the conflict as a defense of national sovereignty.
Broader Context of Sudan's Civil War
The war, now approaching its third year, has roots in power struggles following the 2019 ouster of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir. What began as tensions between the army and RSF has spiraled into widespread carnage, displacing millions and halting economic activity. The RSF's territorial gains in Darfur and Kordofan have disrupted oil production and trade, further impoverishing the nation.
International observers worry that these advances could prolong the fighting rather than hasten resolution. The UN and aid groups urge renewed diplomatic efforts, but al-Burhan's rhetoric suggests military dominance remains the priority. As Sudan grapples with internal strife, the global community watches closely, with calls for intervention growing amid the escalating death toll.
In Kadugli, where the siege's end brings tentative relief, residents cling to optimism. Reopening markets and restoring aid flows could stem the famine's advance, but sustainable peace demands more than battlefield wins. For now, the army's push into Kordofan represents a critical juncture—one that could redefine the war's trajectory.
This development not only bolsters the Sudanese military's morale but also highlights the urgent need for humanitarian corridors. As the conflict evolves, the international response will be pivotal in preventing further catastrophe.
