Sudan’s Military Regains Control of Presidential Palace Amid Ongoing Conflict
Sudan’s military has regained control of the presidential palace in Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces, marking a significant advance in a two-year conflict. Despite this victory, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with over 28,000 casualties and widespread displacement. The RSF’s control persists in other regions, indicating ongoing instability within the nation.
On Friday, Sudan’s military announced it had regained full control of the presidential palace located in Khartoum from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This development marks a significant progression in the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for nearly two years and threatens to divide the nation.
The Republican Palace, previously the last stronghold of the RSF in the capital, was reported to be in disrepair following intense fighting. Videos from social media depicted soldiers celebrating inside the palace, with one officer confirming the takeover on camera. Soldiers proclaimed, “God is the greatest!” while navigating through debris.
The recapture of the Republican Palace, a notable landmark along the Nile River representing governmental authority, is attributed to steady military advances under Army Chief General Abdel-Fattah Burhan. This victory denotes the RSF’s expulsion from Khartoum since the war’s onset in April 2023. However, the RSF has not acknowledged this loss, indicating that the conflict may continue in other regions of Sudan.
The war has devastated the country, claiming over 28,000 lives and displacing millions, with reports of families resorting to eating grass for survival. The humanitarian crisis has escalated, recognized by the U.N. children’s agency. Prior to gaining control, the palace had been the subject of assaults by the Sudanese military, targeting it and its surrounding areas.
Sudan has faced political instability since the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and a subsequent military coup in 2021 led by Burhan and RSF head General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. Fighting erupted in 2023, with Burhan’s forces gradually regaining territory, including a crucial refinery north of Khartoum, amidst rising civilian casualties.
The RSF, which has faced allegations of human rights violations and genocide, continues to hold territories outside of Khartoum, further complicating the conflict. In the past, both the military and the RSF have been accused of committing human rights abuses, which they vehemently deny.
In summary, the retaking of the Republican Palace by Sudan’s military represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces. Despite this military success, the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, claiming thousands of lives and displacing millions. The dynamics of power between the military and RSF remain complex, underscoring the potential for continued violence throughout Sudan.
Original Source: www.france24.com
