Sudan’s Military Regains Control of Republican Palace Amid Ongoing Conflict
Sudan’s military reclaimed the Republican Palace in Khartoum, marking a significant strategic victory against the rival Rapid Support Forces. Khaled al-Aiser confirmed the reclaiming via social media, emphasizing continued efforts toward victory. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in substantial humanitarian crises, with thousands dead and millions displaced. The instability remains heightened following the fall of long-term president Omar al-Bashir.
Sudan’s military announced on Friday that it has regained control of the Republican Palace in Khartoum, a crucial site previously occupied by rival paramilitary forces amidst ongoing conflict. Videos circulated on social media depicted soldiers celebrating the moment, emphasizing the significance of the date—21st Ramadan. Reports indicate the palace is in disrepair, with soldiers observed within its grounds, stating the military’s successful occupation.
Khaled al-Aiser, Sudan’s information minister, confirmed the military’s reclamation of the palace through a post on X, stating, “Today the flag is raised, the palace is back and the journey continues until victory is complete.”
The successful capture of the Republican Palace is both a symbolic and strategic victory for Sudan’s military, marking a significant moment as they have been leading advances against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This shift indicates that the RSF has been largely expelled from Khartoum since the onset of the conflict in April 2023, though sporadic gunfire continues in the city.
The RSF has not publicly recognized its loss of the compound and remains active in other regions. They claimed control over the strategically located city of al-Maliha in North Darfur, approximately 200 kilometers north of El Fasher, which is still under military control despite RSF attacks.
The catastrophic humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict has been recognized internationally, with estimates of over 28,000 deaths and millions displaced. The war has led to widespread famine, forcing families to resort to extreme measures for survival.
Historically, the Republican Palace was the seat of power during British colonization and has hosted significant events in Sudan’s history post-independence in 1956. The military has targeted this site for some time in recent clashes, which come on the heels of a volatile period marked by the ousting of long-term dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and a subsequent military coup in 2021.
The long-standing instability in Sudan has been exacerbated by conflicts between the military and RSF, resulting in rising civilian casualties and numerous human rights violations. Accusations of genocide have emerged related to both factions, with ongoing investigations and denials surrounding these claims.
The recent retaking of the Republican Palace by Sudan’s military signifies a pivotal development in the ongoing conflict in Khartoum, reflecting both symbolic and tactical gains. The continued fighting illustrates the complexity of the situation, with sporadic violence still present in the region. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the underlying instability challenges not only the nation’s governance but also the well-being of millions of its citizens amidst horrific conditions.
Original Source: www.haltonhillstoday.ca
