Sudan’s military leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has carried out a major reshuffle of top army commanders in the midst of the country’s devastating war with the Rapid Support Forces. The move, announced late Sunday, included the replacement of several senior officers in an apparent bid to reinforce loyalty and strengthen battlefield coordination as clashes escalate in Khartoum, Darfur, and other regions. The decision highlights the mounting pressure on the Sudanese Armed Forces nearly two years into the conflict, which has displaced millions and pushed the country further into political and humanitarian turmoil.

According to Sudanese state media, Burhan appointed new commanders to oversee key divisions and dismissed others who had served since before the outbreak of the war in April 2023. The changes were interpreted by analysts as an attempt to stabilize the army’s chain of command, ensure cohesion, and respond to rising criticism over the protracted stalemate against RSF forces. The timing also reflects Burhan’s need to project authority at a moment when questions are growing about the military’s ability to regain control of contested areas.

The reshuffle comes as Sudan grapples with multiple crises beyond the battlefield. Politically, Burhan continues to face pressure from rival factions and civilian groups demanding a return to democratic transition. Humanitarian conditions have sharply deteriorated, with the United Nations warning of famine, mass displacement, and collapsing health services affecting millions. The ongoing war has also fractured Sudan’s international relations, complicating mediation efforts led by regional and global actors seeking to end the violence.