Sudan’s military has retaken the Republican Palace in Khartoum from rival RSF forces, marking a significant victory in the ongoing conflict. This achievement, confirmed with social media videos, underscores the military’s recent advancements under General Burhan. The wider humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, with high casualty rates and displacement affecting millions. Both factions are accused of human rights violations amid the enduring conflict.
Sudan’s military announced it has regained control of the Republican Palace in Khartoum, the last stronghold of rival paramilitary forces, after nearly two years of conflict. Videos circulating on social media displayed military personnel inside the palace, affirming the date as the 21st day of Ramadan. Footage showed a military officer confirming that the troops were within the compound’s vicinity, while soldiers expressed victory by chanting, “God is the greatest.”
The Republican Palace was significantly damaged, with soldiers traversing over rubble as they explored the area. This location served as the former seat of government, a symbol of Sudanese history depicted on banknotes. Its capture signals a significant battlefield advancement for the Sudanese military, which has gained ground significantly in recent months under the leadership of General Abdel-Fattah Burhan.
With the military reclaiming the palace, rival paramilitary forces led by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo (Rapid Support Forces – RSF) have been expelled from Khartoum, marking a culmination of intense fighting that ignited in April 2023. The RSF has yet to officially respond to this loss, but they continue to maintain control over various territories across Sudan, perpetuating the ongoing conflict.
The humanitarian consequences of this war are severe, with over 28,000 fatalities reported and millions displaced, leading some families to resort to foraging for grass. This crisis has been described as the largest humanitarian disaster globally. The Republican Palace holds a rich historical significance, having functioned as a governmental seat both during the British colonial era and following Sudan’s independence in 1956.
Sudan has faced substantial instability since a popular uprising in 2019 ousted long-serving president Omar al-Bashir. A brief democratic transition was disrupted by a military coup in 2021 led by Burhan and Dagalo, resulting in violent conflict between the military and RSF throughout 2023. In recent months, the military has successfully retaken strategic infrastructures like a key refinery and has intensified offensives against RSF positions around the capital, escalating civilian casualties in the process.
Al-Bashir has been indicted by the International Criminal Court for his role in a genocidal campaign in the 2000s, with the RSF being accused of targeting ethnic African communities in the current conflict. Both the Sudanese military and RSF face accusations of human rights violations amid the turmoil, with the U.S. State Department previously labeling the RSF’s actions as genocidal. Both factions have refuted claims of any wrongdoing.
The recapture of the Republican Palace by Sudan’s military signifies a crucial victory in the ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). However, the humanitarian crisis resulting from the war remains dire, with extensive casualties and displacement. Both military factions continue to engage in hostilities, and despite this military gain, the RSF still holds substantial territory elsewhere in Sudan. Historical, political, and humanitarian issues intertwine as Sudan navigates its current tumultuous landscape.
Original Source: www.clickorlando.com
