Sudan’s military has retaken the Republican Palace in Khartoum from rival paramilitaries after nearly two years of fighting. The announcement was confirmed by officials and depicted in social media videos. Despite this victory, the conflict continues, with significant humanitarian crises ongoing, as both military factions face accusations of rights abuses and violence continues across the region.
The Sudanese military has reportedly retaken the Republican Palace in Khartoum, marking a pivotal moment in nearly two years of conflict with rival paramilitary forces. Video footage shared on social media depicts soldiers within the palace, identifying the date as the 21st of Ramadan, coinciding with Friday. A military officer documented the achievement, confirming their presence inside the heavily guarded site, which now appears partially destroyed.
Khaled al-Aiser, the information minister of Sudan, echoed this announcement on the social platform X, stating, “Today the flag is raised, the palace is back and the journey continues until victory is complete.” The Republican Palace, a significant historical site along the Nile River, serves as a symbol of governmental authority and has been central in the fighting since the conflict erupted in April 2023.
Sudan’s military forces, led by General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, have gained substantial ground recently, pushing rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) out of much of Khartoum. Despite this expansion, sporadic gunfire was reported throughout the capital, though it remains uncertain whether this was part of ongoing conflict or celebratory gunfire. The RSF did not formally acknowledge the loss of the palace, suggesting that hostilities may not cease as they continue to hold territory in other regions of the country.
In a show of strategic progress, the RSF claimed control of the city of al-Maliha, located in North Darfur. The Sudanese military has admitted to clashes in the area but has yet to confirm losing control there. The conflict has escalated to catastrophic levels, leading to widespread humanitarian crises, with over 28,000 casualties reported and millions displaced from their homes.
The Republican Palace has historically served as a seat of power in Sudan, witnessing significant events since British colonization and the first independent Sudanese flags being raised in 1956. Since the military coup in 2021 led by Generals Burhan and Dagalo, violence has persisted, with both factions accused of severe human rights violations. The international community has suggested that the RSF’s actions may constitute genocide, a claim they have denied amid the ongoing turmoil in Sudan.
The retaking of the Republican Palace by Sudan’s military marks a significant development in the longstanding conflict with the Rapid Support Forces. While gaining ground in Khartoum, the military continues to face serious humanitarian challenges as the death toll rises and millions are displaced. Both factions stand accused of human rights violations, complicating the pathway to peace amidst a backdrop of historical significance and turmoil within the nation.
Original Source: www.irishnews.com
