Sudan’s military has reclaimed the Republican Palace in Khartoum from rival RSF forces after nearly two years of conflict. This territorial gain, announced by Sudan’s information minister, marks a significant military success. The situation remains tense in Khartoum, with ongoing fighting and severe humanitarian repercussions in the region.
Sudan’s military has announced the retaking of the Republican Palace in Khartoum, marking a significant territorial gain after nearly two years of conflict with rival paramilitary forces. This event was confirmed by a military officer on video, who indicated that soldiers were within the palace grounds, now reportedly in ruins. Soldiers were observed chanting in celebration of their victory, demonstrating the military’s determination to reclaim control of key locations in the capital.
Khaled al-Aiser, the information minister for Sudan, shared this announcement on the social platform X, emphasizing the military’s success in reclaiming the iconic structure. “Today the flag is raised, the palace is back and the journey continues until victory is complete,” he stated. This palace symbolizes Sudan’s governmental past and is a notable landmark along the Nile River.
The military has advanced steadily in Khartoum, under the command of Gen Abdel-Fattah Burhan, driving the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Gen Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, out of the capital. Despite the military’s gains, sporadic gunfire continued in Khartoum, leaving its nature unclear, whether celebratory or indicative of ongoing conflict. The RSF has not yet acknowledged this loss and seems to maintain control over other areas in Sudan, including a strategic desert city.
The RSF recently claimed control of the city of al-Maliha in North Darfur, which has been contested by the Sudanese military. This situation reflects a localized power struggle as both factions vie for control amid the ongoing civil conflict. El Fasher remains held by the military despite attacks from RSF forces in surrounding areas.
The humanitarian crisis resulting from this conflict is dire, with over 28,000 casualties and millions displaced. Many families face extreme food shortages, resorting to desperate measures for survival, while the UN calls it the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The Republican Palace, historically significant as a site of governance in Sudan, has been targeted by military forces throughout the fighting, aiming to regain state control.
Sudan’s tumultuous political landscape, destabilized since the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, has been further complicated by a military coup in 2021 leading to civil unrest. The RSF, formerly aligned with al-Bashir’s regime, continues to face accusations of human rights violations amid the current warfare, charged with targeting ethnic groups and engaging in genocidal actions from past conflicts.
The retaking of the Republican Palace by Sudan’s military signifies a crucial development in the ongoing conflict between the military and RSF forces. With severe humanitarian consequences and allegations of human rights abuses on both sides, the complex political situation remains precarious even after this military achievement. The fighting continues to pose risks to civilians, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Original Source: www.irishnews.com
