Sudan’s army is reportedly close to reclaiming the Presidential Palace from the RSF amid a two-year conflict that jeopardizes national stability. The military’s advances could lead to a stronger territorial split between the two forces. The humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict is dire, with famine and disease rampant. Both factions are accused of serious crimes as fighting persists with no peace negotiations in sight.
The Sudanese Armed Forces are reportedly nearing control of the Presidential Palace in Khartoum, currently held by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to state television reports. This development marks a critical point in a conflict that has been ongoing for two years and poses risks of further national fragmentation.
Since the onset of war in 2023, the RSF swiftly seized the palace and significant areas of the capital. However, the Sudanese army has regained ground in recent months, advancing gradually towards the palace alongside the River Nile. Despite the RSF’s establishment of a parallel governance structure and continued holdings in parts of Khartoum and neighboring Omdurman, they are also striving to gain control over Darfur’s last stronghold, al-Fashir.
The potential fall of the capital could accelerate the army’s consolidation of power across central Sudan, potentially exacerbating the territorial divide between the two forces. Both factions remain committed to continuing their conflict, with no progress visible towards peace negotiations.
The UN categorizes this conflict as the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis, contributing to widespread famine and disease throughout Sudan. Allegations of war crimes have been leveled against both combatants, with the RSF facing accusations of genocide, which they resolutely refute.
In recent weeks, intense battles for the Presidential Palace have ensued, with RSF deploying snipers in downtown areas to defend their position. Their leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has ordered his troops to hold their ground. Meanwhile, military operations have involved airstrikes and drone assaults aimed at central Khartoum, underscoring the army’s aerial superiority, though the RSF appears to be enhancing its drone capabilities.
Reports suggest the RSF is advancing towards the Army General Command, attacking from southern Khartoum. The army’s recent progress has been welcomed by many displaced individuals, yet there have been warnings of alleged robberies committed by soldiers, claims that the military has consistently denied.
Despite the turmoil, a significant number of civilians have begun to return to their homes in Central Sudan.
In conclusion, the ongoing conflict in Sudan remains a complex and devastating situation, with the army poised to reclaim the Presidential Palace from the RSF. As both sides continue to lay claim to regions within the country, the humanitarian impact is profound, with widespread famine and disease presenting dire challenges. Allegations of war crimes add further complications to the crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for peaceful resolutions.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
