Sudan’s Military Regains Control of Presidential Palace Amid Ongoing Conflict
Sudan’s military has regained control of the presidential palace in Khartoum, marking a significant milestone in the two-year conflict against the paramilitary RSF. This military achievement follows ongoing fighting since April 2023 and highlights increasing humanitarian crises, with high civilian casualties. While the RSF has been expelled from the capital, conflict continues throughout Sudan, with serious allegations of abuses from both sides.
The Sudanese military announced its control of the presidential palace in Khartoum from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing two-year conflict. This advancement follows two years of skirmishes that have threatened to fracture the nation. Videos shared on social media depicted military personnel inside the palace, confirming their assertion of control on the 21st day of Ramadan, a significant date for many Sudanese individuals.
Social media footage showed desolated conditions within the palace as soldiers, equipped with assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, celebrated their victory, chanting “God is the greatest!” The Republican Palace, notable in Sudan’s history and featured on national currency, symbolized government authority before conflict broke out. Its capture signifies a major win for military leader Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan.
With the RSF expelled from Khartoum, the military has made significant territorial gains since the conflict began in April 2023. However, the RSF has not confirmed this loss, suggesting fighting may continue as they retain control over other regions in Sudan. The U.N. children’s agency has noted that the conflict has resulted in the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis, with over 28,000 fatalities reported and millions displaced, forcing many into desperate circumstances.
Historically, the Republican Palace served as a central seat of power during British rule and witnessed significant national milestones such as the rise of independence in 1956. Long a target of military operations, the palace had suffered shelling from Sudan’s military for an extended period, culminating in its recent capture.
Sudan has experienced instability since the removal of autocratic President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, with a failed democratic transition following a military coup led by Burhan and RSF leader Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo in 2021. The ensuing conflict between the military and RSF escalated in 2023, as Burhan’s forces reclaimed key sites around the capital, despite rising civilian casualties.
Both the Sudanese military and RSF have faced serious human rights allegations throughout the conflict, with the RSF being accused of genocide by U.S. officials prior to President Biden leaving office. Both groups have denied committing such abuses, contributing to the complexity of the ongoing situation in Sudan.
The Sudanese military’s retaking of the presidential palace from the RSF represents a crucial development in the ongoing conflict that threatens to destabilize the nation further. Despite the military’s advances, significant humanitarian issues persist, with escalating casualties and displacements. As both sides continue to clash, allegations of human rights abuses create an urgent need for international attention and intervention to address the crisis.
Original Source: www.france24.com
