Sudan’s Military Reclaims Presidential Palace from Rapid Support Forces

Sudan’s military has retaken the presidential palace in Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), marking a pivotal moment in a two-year conflict. The military’s advance highlights its growing dominance, despite ongoing humanitarian crises and allegations of human rights abuses on both sides. The RSF remains active in other regions, complicating the overall situation.

On Friday, Sudan’s military announced it had regained control of the presidential palace in Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), marking a significant development in a prolonged conflict that has escalated for nearly two years. This restoration of the Republican Palace, a symbol of governmental authority, underscores the military’s increasing dominance in the ongoing struggle against rival paramilitary forces.

The announcement was made through social media videos, where Sudanese military officers confirmed their presence within the palace grounds on the 21st day of Ramadan. Soldiers, visibly energized, were observed within the compound, underscoring the intensity of their operations. The condition of the palace, however, reflected the havoc wreaked by the prolonged conflict, as broken tiles crunched underfoot amid chants of “God is the greatest” from armed soldiers, indicating triumphant sentiments among the military personnel.

This takeover of the Republican Palace signifies another strategic victory for General Abdel-Fattah Burhan’s military forces, which have been steadily advancing against the RSF since the outbreak of war in April 2023. The RSF, led by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, has now been pushed out of the capital, although they and their allies retain control of various territories across Sudan. Reports indicate that the humanitarian crisis stemming from this conflict has reached unprecedented levels, exacerbating the nation’s turmoil.

The ongoing civil strife has resulted in over 28,000 fatalities and forced millions into displacement, inciting harrowing conditions where some families are resorting to consuming grass for sustenance. The historical significance of the Republican Palace, previously a site of both British colonial power and Sudan’s governmental authority, adds context to its importance in this conflict, as both sides continue to vie for control.

Sudan has been embroiled in instability since 2019 when a popular uprising led to the ouster of long-time autocrat Omar al-Bashir. The post-revolution transition towards democracy was curtailed by a military coup in 2021, which sparked conflict between the RSF and the military earlier this year. As both factions engage in violent clashes, allegations of human rights abuses have surfaced, further complicating the conflict landscape and highlighting the dire need for humanitarian intervention.

In summary, the Sudanese military’s recapture of the Republican Palace from the RSF represents a critical turning point in the ongoing conflict that began in April 2023. This significant military achievement illustrates the shifting dynamics in Sudan, where the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen amid an alarming death toll and widespread displacement. With the RSF still asserting control over other territories, the situation remains precarious, necessitating urgent attention from both national and international entities.

Original Source: www.france24.com