Sudan’s army is nearing control of the Presidential Palace from the RSF amid ongoing conflict. The RSF, which held the palace at the war’s outbreak, still controls parts of the capital and is engaged in battles. The conflict has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, with allegations of war crimes against both sides. Recent developments, including air strikes, demonstrate the escalating tensions as the situation remains volatile.
Sudan’s army is reportedly nearing control of the Presidential Palace in Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as stated by state television on Thursday. This development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing two-year conflict, which poses a risk of fracturing the nation. Following the commencement of hostilities in April 2023, the RSF swiftly took control of the palace and much of the capital. However, recent months have seen the Sudanese Armed Forces making significant advances towards the palace along the River Nile.
The RSF continues to maintain control over various parts of Khartoum and Omdurman, alongside western regions where it contests the army’s stronghold in Darfur, specifically al-Fashir. Control of the capital could catalyze the army’s comprehensive takeover of central Sudan, reinforcing the territorial divide between the two factions. Both groups have firmly committed to ongoing conflict across the country, with no genuine prospects for peace negotiations yet.
Labelled by the United Nations as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, the war has precipitated famine and the spread of diseases. Both the army and RSF face allegations of war crimes, and the RSF has been accused of genocide, although both parties refute these claims. The battle for the Presidential Palace has escalated recently, with the RSF deploying snipers to retain control. RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo issued directives to his troops to steadfastly hold the palace.
Recent reports of explosions from airstrikes and drone attacks targeting central Khartoum reflect the army’s persistent advantage in aerial combat. The RSF claims to have enhanced its drone capabilities, asserting that its forces are making strides towards the Army General Command in central Khartoum, with witnesses reporting assaults from the southern district. The army’s progress since late last year has garnered support from those displaced by RSF actions, which have included allegations of looting and extrajudicial killings.
While hundreds of thousands have returned to their residences in Central Sudan, recent reports indicate potential misconduct by some soldiers in Omdurman. The military has consistently denied accusations of such activities, emphasizing individual accountability for wrongful actions.
In summary, the Sudanese Armed Forces are on the brink of seizing control of the Presidential Palace from the RSF, signaling a crucial shift in an ongoing conflict that has generated dire humanitarian repercussions. Despite the army’s advancements and growing public support, the RSF retains substantial territorial control and continues to engage in combat. The situation remains precarious with ongoing allegations of war crimes and a lack of peace dialogue, contributing to the deepening crisis in Sudan.
Original Source: gazette.com
