A lightning offensive has reversed months of setbacks for the government, while rebel discipline shows signs of fraying after nearly two years of civil war.

The Sudanese military has called for diplomatic support for a new government that it says it wants to form after it recaptures the capital, Khartoum, from rival forces. The Sudanese army has been regaining control of areas in the city previously held by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in recent weeks.

Sudan's army and its allies say that they are close to regaining full control of Khartoum, recording the most significant victory by far over the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since their war began nearly two years ago.