Sudan’s Battle for Khartoum Reaches Critical Turning Point as SAF Gains Ground
The ongoing battle for Khartoum is reaching a critical juncture as the SAF gains ground against the RSF, capturing strategic territory. Following the breaking of a siege, the SAF’s momentum has accelerated, raising the stakes for control of Sudan’s capital. This conflict, which began in 2023, has led to thousands of deaths and significant displacement, exacerbating humanitarian crises throughout the country.
After years of conflict between Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the battle for Khartoum is approaching a decisive moment. Recently, the SAF reported significant territorial gains, including the capture of Al-Aylafun and a military camp just 30 kilometers east of Khartoum.
The SAF’s recent advances followed the breaking of a siege on January 24, allowing it to regain momentum against the RSF. Reports suggest increasing difficulties for the RSF, which has been retreating from various neighborhoods, with notable losses such as the death of a key RSF commander in an airstrike.
Control over Khartoum is paramount for the SAF, which aims to turn the tide of the ongoing conflict. The RSF has held significant influence in the capital since the outbreak of the civil war in April 2023, which initially began with their seizure of key installations like the international airport and military bases.
Background context reveals that the RSF, previously a militia under dictator Omar al-Bashir, evolved into a formidable force, holding over 100,000 members. Although discussions aimed at integrating the RSF into the national force were scheduled prior to the conflict, the RSF has resisted such changes despite pressure from pro-democracy groups.
Both the RSF and SAF have faced allegations of war crimes, with the U.S. labeling RSF’s actions in Darfur as genocide and placing sanctions on their leadership. The human toll of the war has been devastating, with estimates of 61,000 dead in Khartoum alone, and total casualties across Sudan possibly reaching up to 150,000.
As of January 2024, the war has led to significant humanitarian crises, displacing over 11.5 million people and pushing 3.3 million into neighboring countries. Approximately half of Sudan’s population faces severe hunger, raising concerns about the impact of U.S. funding cuts on humanitarian aid, particularly from USAID, crucial for many Sudanese in desperate need.
The conflict in Sudan has seen escalating violence since the RSF seized critical infrastructures, including key airports. The RSF’s history dates back to its formation under al-Bashir’s regime to combat insurgent groups, later gaining recognition as a regular force. The political upheaval that removed al-Bashir in 2019 did not change the trajectory of armed conflict, with RSF maintaining autonomy and significantly influencing Sudanese politics. Recent military actions by the SAF have aimed to dismantle the RSF’s control over Khartoum while restoring order. Both factions have been implicated in various war crimes, intensifying international calls for accountability while humanitarian conditions deteriorate for millions of displaced Sudanese citizens.
The battle for Khartoum marks a pivotal juncture in Sudan’s prolonged conflict. The SAF’s recent territorial gains indicate a potential shift in control away from the RSF, which has begun to show signs of collapse. As humanitarian crises worsen, international attention on the conduct of both factions and the implications of U.S. aid cuts will be critical for the millions affected by the violence.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
