Sudan’s Military Retakes Republican Palace Amid Ongoing Conflict

Sudan’s military has regained the Republican Palace, the last area held by rival paramilitary forces in Khartoum, following nearly two years of fighting. The conflict has resulted in over 28,000 deaths and widespread humanitarian crises, as both sides have faced allegations of human rights abuses amidst ongoing instability since the removal of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019.

On April 21, 2023, Sudan’s military announced it had regained control of the Republican Palace in Khartoum, the final stronghold in the capital held by rival paramilitary forces, concluding nearly two years of conflict. Videos circulated on social media depicted soldiers celebrating within the compound, which was left in disrepair due to the extensive fighting.

The Republican Palace, located along the Nile River, was historically significant as the seat of government and is featured on Sudanese currency. The successful operation indicates a notable battlefield advantage for the Sudanese military, led by Army Chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, against the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF, commanded by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, has been expelled from Khartoum but continues to control territories elsewhere.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 28,000 fatalities and created a significant humanitarian crisis, leaving millions displaced and some resorting to extreme measures for survival. The historical site of the Republican Palace has been a strategic target throughout the conflict, experiencing persistent shelling by the Sudanese military.

Since the 2019 uprising that ousted long-time President Omar al-Bashir, Sudan has faced increasing instability, with Burhan and Dagalo orchestrating a coup in 2021. The subsequent hostilities began early in 2023, leading to significant civilian casualties as both the military and RSF have clashed over key territories.

The International Criminal Court has charged al-Bashir for crimes against humanity during his regime, with ongoing allegations of human rights violations against the RSF and its allies in the current conflict. Despite these accusations, both factions deny any wrongdoing.

Overall, Sudan’s political landscape remains fraught with challenges as the military continues to assert control while the humanitarian situation deteriorates alarmingly for its citizens.

In summary, Sudan’s military has managed to retake the Republican Palace, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict against the Rapid Support Forces. The war has yielded significant human cost and humanitarian crises, amid allegations of war crimes against both combatants. The struggle for power continues, posing severe challenges to stability and human rights in Sudan.

Original Source: www.clickorlando.com