The Sudanese military has recaptured the last area of Khartoum held by the RSF, signifying a turning point in the conflict that began in April 2023. Despite this, fighting is expected to continue as the RSF remains active in other regions. The war has led to significant humanitarian issues, with reported casualties exceeding 28,000, while both sides face allegations of serious human rights violations.
Sudan’s military has announced it has regained control of the last area in Khartoum previously held by the rival paramilitary group, known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. This development marks a significant shift in the ongoing conflict that began in April 2023, although the RSF has not yet confirmed this loss. Nevertheless, fighting is expected to persist, as the RSF and its allies still occupy territory across Sudan.
The conflict has inflicted severe humanitarian consequences, with the United Nations children’s agency declaring it to be the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Over 28,000 casualties have been reported, and millions have been displaced from their homes. In extreme desperation, some families resort to eating grass amidst widespread famine in certain regions.
Historically, the Republican Palace, a former seat of power during the era of British rule and a landmark for Sudan’s independence in 1956, has been targeted by the Sudanese military through consistent shelling and assaults. Following the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019 during a popular uprising, Sudan has experienced significant instability, worsening after a military coup in 2021 led by Burhan and Dagalo.
Since the conflict reignited in 2023, Burhan’s forces have made advances against the RSF, including reclaiming a pivotal refinery situated north of Khartoum, intensifying attacks around the capital. Unfortunately, these military actions have resulted in increased civilian casualties as the fighting escalates.
In addition to Burhan’s previous convictions at the International Criminal Court for alleged genocide during the early 2000s in Darfur, the RSF and affiliated militias face accusations of targeting ethnic African groups during the ongoing conflict. Both the Sudanese military and the RSF have been implicated in human rights violations since the start of hostilities, with previous declarations from the U.S. State Department classifying the RSF’s actions as genocide, although both parties deny such allegations.
In summary, the Sudanese military’s recent reclaiming of territory in Khartoum signifies a notable development in the ongoing conflict between the military and the RSF. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, with an alarming death toll and massive displacement impacting millions. Accusations of human rights abuses persist on both sides of the conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for international attention and intervention.
Original Source: chatnewstoday.ca
