Sudanese army recaptures state TV complex in Omdurman

The Sudanese army yesterday said its troops had regained control of the national radio and TV headquarters from the rival Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group.

This comes as the army continues its offensive in Omdurman, across the Nile from the west of Khartoum and part of the capital’s greater area.

The complex was seized by the RSF last year in the early days of its war, as the group quickly took over the city’s airport, presidential palace, ministries and arms depots.

An army statement did not give details of the fighting over the media complex, which lies near the centre of the city and houses several historical sites. It is also the main stronghold there of Umma, Sudan’s largest political party.

The military posted online videos of its troops celebrating inside the complex with shots into the air, as well as scenes of street battles with the sound of heavy machinegun fire ringing out.

There was no immediate comment from the RSF.

Yesterday’s fighting came a day after the Sudanese army rejected a call for a ceasefire during Ramadan, which began on Monday, saying it intended to continue to fight.

The call for a ceasefire came in a resolution drafted by the UK and adopted on Friday by the UN Security Council.

It also urged the warring parties to enable the delivery of humanitarian aid to millions in need in Sudan.

Osman Al Mirghany, an analyst and editor of daily newspaper Al Tayyar, said the army rejected a ceasefire to prevent the RSF from reinforcing.

“The army is regaining the initiative in the capital and is on the offensive,” he said.