Sudan’s army chief declared Khartoum free from the RSF after a two-year conflict. This strategic victory follows heavy fighting, but analysts warn the war is not over. Civilians celebrated the RSF’s retreat, although the humanitarian crisis worsens, with millions displaced and severe violence ongoing.
On Wednesday, Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan declared Khartoum free from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after nearly two years of conflict. His announcement followed a successful military campaign aimed at retaking key government institutions in Khartoum. Burhan, appearing in military attire at the presidential palace, proclaimed, “Khartoum is free, it’s done,” amidst the battle-ravaged surroundings of his victory site.
The ongoing conflict originated in April 2023 when Burhan’s tensions with his former deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, escalated into warfare. The RSF seized control of the government district in Khartoum, prompting officials to relocate to Port Sudan. Despite the army’s recent advances against the RSF, analysts caution that hostilities remain unresolved, as the RSF formed a new rebel alliance in southern Sudan while still retaining significant control in Darfur.
Recent military operations by the Sudanese army included securing Khartoum’s airport and encircling the RSF’s last stronghold in the area. Although the army claimed success, a day earlier they faced allegations of a devastating airstrike in Darfur that reportedly killed dozens. Witnesses reported large casualties, counting up to 270 bodies buried, accentuating the war’s humanitarian toll.
As RSF fighters reportedly fled southward across the White Nile, the army noted their retreat via the Jebel Awliya bridge. This bridge connects RSF positions to their strongholds in Darfur, reflecting a strategical shift in the ongoing conflict. Throughout Khartoum, witnesses have confirmed the RSF’s dwindling presence, though the RSF has not publicly commented on their situation.
The war, which has displaced over 12 million people and resulted in substantial casualties, has fundamentally fragmented Sudan into regions controlled by the army and RSF. Recently, the RSF announced a military alliance with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, further complicating the conflict dynamics.
As the RSF retreats, civilians in central Khartoum began to celebrate this shift. Videos shared on social media portrayed citizens jubilantly welcoming army forces, signifying a momentary victory for civilians who have endured repeated hardships during the war. In Port Sudan, crowds cheered the army’s accomplishments, expressing national unity with chants like “one people, one army.”
Eyewitness accounts detail the RSF’s abandonment of occupied homes, where they often engaged in looting and abuse. International bodies, such as the United Nations, have strongly condemned the RSF for its conduct during the conflict, including allegations of widespread human rights violations and airstrike attacks targeting civilians. With both military factions facing sanctions, the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate as civilians suffer through ongoing violence and deprivation.
The situation in Sudan remains precarious despite the army’s declaration of victory in Khartoum. The RSF’s retreat marks a significant moment, yet the war’s complexity continues with new alliances and ongoing violence. Humanitarian concerns grow as millions are displaced and face hunger, while future risks persist with the RSF and other factions. Continued international scrutiny and response are crucial for alleviating civilian suffering and ending the conflict.
Original Source: www.sanfordherald.com
