Sudan’s army is reportedly close to seizing the Presidential Palace from the RSF in a pivotal development amid ongoing conflict. The RSF has maintained positions in Khartoum and western Sudan, even as the Sudanese Armed Forces have regained territory. The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, prompting fears of further violence and territorial divisions within the country.
Recent reports indicate that Sudan’s army is nearing control of the Presidential Palace in Khartoum, having made significant progress against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF seized the palace and much of the capital when conflict erupted in April 2023, but the Sudanese Armed Forces have gained ground along the River Nile in recent months.
The RSF has established a parallel government and retains control over parts of Khartoum, Omdurman, and regions of western Sudan, where it continues fighting for Darfur’s last army stronghold, al-Fashir. The potential fall of the capital might accelerate the Sudanese army’s total takeover of central Sudan, solidifying territorial divisions between the two factions.
The ongoing conflict roots itself in a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the RSF coinciding with a scheduled transition to civilian governance. Unfortunately, the situation has escalated into what the United Nations characterizes as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, resulting in widespread famine and disease.
Heavy fighting for the Presidential Palace has intensified, with RSF forces utilizing snipers and battleground strategies to retain control. The leader of the RSF, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has directed troops to hold onto the palace rigorously. Concurrently, military sources report ongoing airstrikes and drone attacks initiated by the army targeting central Khartoum, showcasing the army’s air superiority historically over the RSF.
In a recent message through Telegram, the RSF claims to be advancing towards the Army General Command in central Khartoum. Meanwhile, reports of soldiers engaging in robbery have surfaced in Omdurman, causing local activists to raise concerns. Although the military consistently refutes these allegations, the return of thousands of displaced individuals to their communities signifies a complex reality on the ground.
In summary, Sudan’s army is making significant strides towards regaining control of the Presidential Palace from the Rapid Support Forces amidst an escalating conflict that has resulted in a humanitarian crisis. The struggle for power continues, with both sides preparing for further confrontation while the RSF maintains control over various strategic locations. The situation remains precarious, characterized by allegations of war crimes and increasing violence.
Original Source: gazette.com
