Sudanese army declares White Nile State free of RSF forces following full liberation of Khartoum

CAIRO – 25 May 2025: Sudan Claims Khartoum Fully Cleared of RSF, Declares White Nile State "Free"; Army Pursues Militia as Spokesman Assures Darfur and Kordofan Residents.

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have announced the complete clearance of the Khartoum state from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, followed by a similar declaration regarding the White Nile state. This marks a continuation of significant victories for the Sudanese army.

The Sudanese army is reportedly pursuing RSF elements on multiple fronts, inflicting heavy losses, particularly in Omdurman and White Nile state. Following fierce battles, the army has asserted control over both states, successfully expelling all Janjaweed militia elements.

Khaled Al-Aa'isir, the official spokesperson for the Sudanese government, affirmed that the SAF aims to liberate Darfur and Kordofan, addressing citizens with the message: "Rest assured, the Sudanese army is coming to you."

Following the SAF's announcement of the complete liberation of Khartoum state, Sudanese authorities declared the White Nile state free of the RSF militia after the liberation of the Um Remta locality by the Sudanese army and allied forces.

Major General Qamar al-Din Muhammad Fadl al-Mawla, the governor of White Nile state, congratulated the state's citizens on the liberation of Um Remta from the RSF and the declaration of White Nile state as free of the militia.

The governor also extended congratulations to the Commander-in-Chief of the SAF, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Chief of Staff on the liberation of Khartoum state from RSF elements, as reported by Sudan News Agency (SUNA).

The governor of White Nile stated: "The liberation of Um Remta coincides with the victories achieved by the Armed Forces, security agencies, joint forces, and mobilized citizens on all operational fronts."

Minister of Culture and Information and government spokesperson Khaled Al-Aa'isir reiterated that the SAF aims to liberate Darfur and Kordofan from the RSF militia's control. In a message to citizens, he said: "Rest assured completely, the army is coming to you to embody these deep national values and restore security, peace, stability, and prosperity without targeting any tribal component. Its supreme goal is only one: to protect all citizens, women and men, and rid them of gangs, rebels, and criminal mercenaries."

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Al-Aa'isir stated: "This morning, after defeating the rebellion in most of Sudan's states, most recently Khartoum state yesterday, it is our duty to salute our honorable people in Kordofan and Darfur and appreciate their recognized national struggles and honorable stances throughout all historical periods in defending the unity of Sudan."

He added, "We send them a special greeting in the name of your Armed Forces, all supporting forces, and all loyal mobilized citizens who have rushed from all directions to support their country and people."

Al-Aa'isir emphasized the special place of Kordofan and Darfur in the hearts of all Sudanese, stating: "The Sudanese have resolved to support their comrades in Kordofan and Darfur and continue the journey to the end to cleanse those areas of armed militias, mercenaries, and criminals," stressing that the entire Sudanese people have no goal other than to protect their people in Kordofan and Darfur and restore security and stability.

He continued, "We affirm that all the tribes of Kordofan and Darfur are an integral part of the cohesive Sudanese fabric, and that this war waged by the people is not against a tribe, component, region, or entity, but against the Rapid Support Forces militia."

He added: "Our message to our people in Kordofan and Darfur: rest assured completely, the army is coming to you to embody these deep national values and restore security, peace, stability, and prosperity without targeting any tribal component. Its supreme goal is only one: to protect all citizens, women and men, and rid them of gangs, rebels, and criminal mercenaries."

He concluded, "We call on you to stand united with those coming to defeat the rebellion, mercenaries, and agents, so that you may live in peace as free Sudanese citizens in a homeland that embraces all its components, a homeland based on respect, dignity, freedom, peaceful coexistence, and justice. Together, we will liberate every inch of Sudanese land."

In a separate development, eyewitnesses revealed that the RSF militia forcibly displaced residents from a number of villages east of the city of Al-Nuhud in Kordofan, Sudan. The militia's control over the city has also caused a large wave of displacement among the area's residents.

The city and surrounding villages witnessed widespread looting and theft. Local sources reported that the RSF militia expanded its presence east of Al-Nuhud after the Sudanese army and joint forces regained control of the city of Al-Khowei.

The villages of Jabr al-Dar, al-Khamasat, al-Ruwaiyana, Akirt, and Um Aweisha witnessed looting and arrests among young people.

Some local residents confirmed widespread military mobilization by the RSF and joint forces allied with the Sudanese army. Most areas of Kordofan are facing a severe water shortage, which has worsened with the escalation of military operations.

RSF elements looted all grain stores in Al-Nuhud, a major commercial center for cash crops such as sesame, gum arabic, and peanuts. West Kordofan state contributes 80% of the country's livestock and crop exports, according to Sudan Tribune.

Meanwhile, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), welcomed the appointment of Dr. Kamil Idris as Prime Minister of Sudan. He expressed hope that this step would be meaningful towards revitalizing the inclusive political process, noting that he was informed of the appointment by Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council.

In a statement on Wednesday, Gebeyehu urged all Sudanese stakeholders to engage in broad-based national consultations aimed at achieving peace and laying the foundation for a stable and democratic Sudan.

In a statement, IGAD reiterated its call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, stressing that silencing the guns is essential to end civilian suffering, enable humanitarian access, and create a conducive environment for dialogue.

The statement affirmed: "IGAD remains steadfast in its commitment to the sovereignty, unity, and stability of Sudan and stands ready to support efforts towards a peaceful, democratic, and sustainable future."