The Sudanese military has retaken the last area in Khartoum occupied by rival RSF forces, escalating the ongoing conflict. The war, which began in April 2023, has resulted in over 28,000 deaths and widespread humanitarian crises. Historical sites like the Republican Palace have become battlegrounds, complicating efforts for peace. Both military factions face allegations of human rights abuses amid intensifying violence.
The Sudanese military has reportedly regained control of the last area in the capital of Khartoum that was held by the rival paramilitary forces, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. This development comes as the conflict, which erupted in April 2023, continues to escalate with no signs of cessation. While the RSF has not confirmed their loss, they maintain control over various territories throughout Sudan, which suggests that fighting is likely to persist despite this setback.
Over 28,000 lives have been lost due to this ongoing war, with millions displaced from their homes, leaving some families resorting to eating grass during the famine that has enveloped parts of the country. Humanitarian crises stemming from this conflict have gained international attention, and some estimates indicate a significantly higher death toll than reported.
Historically, the Republican Palace served as a powerful symbol, housing the leadership during British colonization and witnessing the raising of Sudan’s first independent flags in 1956. The military has targeted this strategic location consistently, employing artillery attacks on the compound.
Sudan has experienced significant instability since 2019 when a popular uprising ousted long-serving President Omar al-Bashir. Efforts for a democratic transition faltered after a military coup led by Abdul Fattah al-Burhan and Dagalo in 2021, igniting violence between the military and RSF forces.
In 2023, the conflict intensified, with Burhan’s military making notable gains, including reasserting control over a crucial refinery north of Khartoum and advancing on RSF positions throughout the capital. This escalation has contributed to a surge in civilian casualties during the ongoing hostilities.
Omar al-Bashir is currently facing charges at the International Criminal Court for orchestrating a genocidal campaign against ethnic groups in the Darfur region in the 2000s alongside the Janjaweed militia, which is the precursor of the RSF. Allegations of human rights violations and abuse have been directed at both the Sudanese military and the RSF amid the current conflict, with the U.S. State Department previously labeling the RSF’s actions as genocidal. Both factions have denied these accusations, however.
The conflict in Sudan continues to evolve, marked by significant military engagements and alarming humanitarian consequences. The Sudanese military’s recent gains in Khartoum underscore a complex power struggle that remains unresolved, as the RSF retains territorial control in other regions. With thousands of casualties and a humanitarian crisis looming, the potential for ongoing violence remains high, necessitating urgent global attention and intervention.
Original Source: chatnewstoday.ca
