Sudan’s army will activate mechanisms to organize and integrate allied irregular groups into the formal military and security services, a senior general said on Saturday, as the force seeks to consolidate its ranks in the ongoing war against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Yasir al-Atta, a member of the Sovereign Council and assistant commander-in-chief, told a military gathering in Omdurman that the army would launch an integration and discharge process. He said that those who met military standards could join the army, while others could opt for the police or security services.

Since the conflict broke out in April 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have relied on thousands of fighters from the Joint Forces of armed movements and the Sudan Shield forces, which draw heavily from central Sudan and the Butana plain.

Battalions linked to the Islamic movement and thousands of civilians who joined popular mobilization calls have also fought alongside the army against the RSF.

Al-Atta said that for those not wishing to join the military, the state and the armed forces were committed to providing vocational and professional training. He emphasized that all military formations without exception would eventually be merged into the military establishment, though he did not provide a specific timeframe for the transition.

The general also addressed the situation in the western regions, claiming that a collapse of “Janjaweed” forces—a term the army uses for the RSF—in Kordofan and Darfur had led some tribes to recruit children. He alleged the recruitment was based on claims that the army would target residents once it reached those areas.

Al-Atta asserted that the SAF’s presence in West Kordofan and Darfur was intended to protect civilians and property rather than for looting or killing. He said the military’s role was limited to maintaining security and pursuing criminals under the law.

The army and its allies have been engaged in months of heavy fighting against the RSF in parts of South and West Kordofan. The SAF aims to push the paramilitary group out of Kordofan to pave the way for an advance into Darfur, where the RSF currently controls most of the territory.