Sudan’s military has regained control of the Republican Palace in Khartoum after fighting with rival paramilitary forces for nearly two years. This pivotal victory comes amidst significant humanitarian challenges, as the conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and massive civilian displacement. The situation remains tense with ongoing claims of territorial control by the rival RSF and persistent reports of human rights abuses.
Sudan’s military has announced the retaking of the Republican Palace in Khartoum, a strategic stronghold of rival paramilitary forces, after nearly two years of conflict. Footage circulated on social media showed troops celebrating, emphasizing the significance of the date, the 21st day of Ramadan. A military officer confirmed their presence within the palace, which was visibly damaged, as soldiers cheered, “God is the greatest!”.
Khaled al-Aiser, Sudan’s information minister, shared on social media that the flag was raised at the palace, declaring its return and affirming the military’s determination for total victory. The Republican Palace, historically important and depicted on currency and stamps, represents a pivotal battlefield gain as Sudan’s military, led by General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, has made significant advances in recent months against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), under General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo.
Despite the military’s achievement, sporadic gunfire has been reported in Khartoum, though its nature—whether celebratory or indicative of ongoing conflict—remains unclear. The RSF has yet to formally respond to the palace’s loss, and they continue to maintain control in various regions outside the capital. The RSF claimed control over the strategic desert city of al-Maliha, while military acknowledgment of conflict in the area did not confirm any loss.
The ongoing war has resulted in grave humanitarian consequences, with over 28,000 lives lost, millions displaced, and instances of severe starvation affecting families in Sudan. The Republican Palace, once the center of power during British colonial rule and a site for historical proclamations of independence, has historically been targeted by the Sudanese military.
Since 2019, Sudan has faced instability following the ousting of autocrat Omar al-Bashir, with subsequent military coups thwarting democratic transitions. The conflict between the RSF and Sudan’s military escalated in 2023, leading to increased civilian casualties amidst the power struggles. Both factions have faced allegations of severe human rights violations, with international bodies, including the US State Department, condemning the RSF’s actions as genocidal.
The recapture of the Republican Palace by Sudan’s military represents a significant development in the ongoing conflict against rival paramilitary forces. Despite this territorial gain, the humanitarian crisis deepens, highlighting the dire circumstances facing civilians. The historical and strategic importance of the palace underscores the ongoing struggles for power within Sudan and raises critical concerns regarding human rights violations amidst the warfare. Efforts for stability and peace in the region remain pressing, as both military factions navigate complex territorial and humanitarian challenges.
Original Source: www.peeblesshirenews.com
