On January 19, the Sudanese military announced it had regained control of the presidential palace in Khartoum from the RSF, marking a significant advancement in the ongoing conflict. The RSF has been expelled from central Khartoum, but fighting is expected to continue as they maintain territory elsewhere. The war has caused immense humanitarian crises, leading to numerous casualties and displacement across the nation.
On Friday, the Sudanese military announced that it has regained full control of the presidential palace in Khartoum from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This significant development marks a critical point in the ongoing two-year conflict that threatens to divide the nation. Video footage posted on social media displayed military personnel inside the palace, confirming the location and date of the announcement during the 21st day of Ramadan.
Witness reports indicated that parts of the palace were in ruins, with soldiers navigating through broken tiles. Armed troops celebrated their victory with shouts of, “God is the greatest!” The Republican Palace, historically the seat of government and prominently featured on Sudanese currency, serves as a key territorial gain for the Sudanese military under the leadership of General Abdel-Fattah Burhan.
With the capture of the palace, the RSF, led by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, has been expelled from central Khartoum following the outbreak of conflict in April 2023. Although the RSF has yet to comment on the loss, the ongoing fight is expected to persist, as they maintain control over other areas across the country. The United Nations children’s agency has raised alarms over the severe humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict.
The war has resulted in over 28,000 fatalities and displaced millions. Famine has also emerged in various regions, causing desperate circumstances, with some families resorting to eating grass. The Republican Palace has a storied history, being a focal point during the British colonial era and the site of Sudan’s transition to independence in 1956.
Sudan has been engulfed in instability since the ousting of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir in 2019, following mass protests. However, a military coup by Burhan and Dagalo in 2021 hindered efforts for a democratic transition. Since the onset of renewed conflict in 2023, Burhan’s forces have made steady gains against the RSF, including the reclaiming of a refinery and advancing toward RSF strongholds in the capital, resulting in rising civilian casualties.
Additionally, both the military and the RSF have been accused of human rights violations throughout the conflict. Prior to leaving office, President Joe Biden’s administration labeled RSF actions as genocide. Both entities, however, have refuted these allegations.
In summary, the Sudanese military’s retaking of the Khartoum presidential palace represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict with the RSF. While this significant territorial gain denotes progress for General Burhan’s forces, the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, with mounting casualties and widespread suffering across the nation. Both factions face serious allegations regarding human rights abuses, contributing to the complexity of the situation in Sudan.
Original Source: www.france24.com
