Sudan’s military has regained control of the Republican Palace in Khartoum after nearly two years of conflict. This significant strategic victory comes amidst widespread reports of humanitarian crises, with an estimated 28,000 lives lost and millions displaced. Both military factions face allegations of human rights violations, complicating the already critical situation in the country.
Sudan’s military has recaptured the Republican Palace in Khartoum, signaling a significant advancement against rival paramilitary forces after nearly two years of conflict. Videos on social media showed soldiers celebrating the occasion, indicating the date aligned with the 21st day of Ramadan. A military officer confirmed the takeover, revealing that the palace was partially damaged during the fighting, with soldiers heard chanting loudly within its walls.
Khaled al-Aiser, Sudan’s information minister, announced the palace’s recapture on social media. “Today the flag is raised, the palace is back and the journey continues until victory is complete,” he stated. This strategic victory by Sudan’s military, under General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, marks a critical point in the ongoing war which began in April 2023.
The Republican Palace, historically significant as it was the seat of government, has witnessed considerable violence from the Sudanese military, aimed at expelling the opposing Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. Though the RSF hasn’t acknowledged losing the palace, they remain active in other regions of the country, including recent claims of capturing al-Maliha, a critical city in North Darfur.
Humanitarian conditions in Sudan have reached alarming levels; over 28,000 have died and millions have been displaced since the onset of war, creating a severe crisis. The UN children’s agency has identified this conflict as the world’s largest humanitarian emergency. Families are finding it increasingly challenging to access food, resulting in desperate measures like eating grass to survive.
The Republican Palace has deep historical roots, having served during British colonialism and symbolizing Sudanese independence. It has been subjected to targeted military actions throughout the conflict. Following the removal of long-term president Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and a failed transition to democracy, the military coup led by Burhan and Dagalo in 2021 intensified hostilities between the factions.
Amid these battles, allegations of human rights violations have emerged against both the military and the RSF, with claims of genocide linked to oppressive actions against ethnic minorities. The military and RSF have denied these allegations. The US State Department previously asserted that the RSF was committing genocide, complicating the already dire humanitarian situation in the country.
The recapture of the Republican Palace by Sudan’s military marks a pivotal shift in the ongoing conflict with rival paramilitary forces. With a significant humanitarian crisis unfolding, both military factions face accusations of human rights abuses. The situation remains complex, with battles continuing and the RSF maintaining control over other territories, yet the military’s recent advancements indicate a possible change in the war’s trajectory.
Original Source: www.peeblesshirenews.com
