Sudan’s Security and Defense Council Orders Curbs on Armed Movement Inside Cities

Sudan’s Security and Defense Council, chaired by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, issued new directives on Tuesday to restrict the movement of armed personnel, combat vehicles, and security cells within cities and marketplaces. The order follows reports and videos depicting incidents of disorder linked to military-aligned groups in areas recently recaptured by the army or under its control. Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Hassan Daoud Kabroun stated the council instructed authorities to regulate armed movements and oversee security cells, which are tasked with tracking alleged RSF collaborators and dismantling sabotage networks. The Security and Defense Council, comprising military and security leaders including the defense, interior, and foreign affairs ministers, met to address escalating security concerns amid ongoing conflict. Since the war between Sudan’s army and the RSF erupted on April 15, 2023, the council has expanded its role in managing military and security affairs. Kabroun highlighted recent military advances in South Kordofan, Blue Nile, and Darfur, describing them as ‘major victories.’ Despite these gains, residents in army-controlled regions, including Khartoum and parts of Al Jazirah State, have reported growing security abuses. Allegations include looting, arbitrary arrests, and the presence of armed groups or individuals in civilian areas, often wearing military uniforms. Videos and testimonies of these incidents have spread widely on social media, though independent verification remains difficult due to the war’s complexity. Authorities emphasize that security cells operate to protect retaken areas and uphold the law, while critics on social media accuse them of ties to Islamist organizations and political repression. The council also stressed adherence to human rights, Sudan’s sovereignty, and the restoration of essential services like electricity and water for displaced civilians. The directives aim to balance military operations with civilian safety, though challenges persist in enforcing regulations amid the ongoing conflict.