Sudan’s military has retaken the Republican Palace in Khartoum, marking a significant strategic victory against the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after nearly two years of conflict. The announcement was made by the military and confirmed by Information Minister Khaled al-Aiser, highlighting a tough struggle against the RSF. This event worsens the humanitarian crisis, with over 28,000 deaths reported and millions displaced.
On Friday, Sudan’s military announced the recapture of the Republican Palace in Khartoum, the last stronghold of rival paramilitary forces following nearly two years of conflict. A video showed soldiers inside the palace, celebrating the achievement on the 21st day of Ramadan. The area appeared damaged, with soldiers reporting heavy destruction as they chanted, “God is the greatest!”
Information Minister Khaled al-Aiser confirmed this victory on social media, stating, “Today the flag is raised, the palace is back and the journey continues until victory is complete.” The fall of the Republican Palace is both a symbolic and strategic victory for the Sudanese military, marking significant advancements under army chief General Abdel-Fattah Burhan.
With the Republican Palace’s recapture, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, have been largely pushed from Khartoum since the conflict erupted in April 2023. The RSF did not immediately acknowledge their loss, as sporadic gunfire continued to be heard, potentially lingering from celebrations or ongoing skirmishes.
The RSF claimed control over the strategic city of al-Maliha just before the palace’s fall. Situated in North Darfur near the borders of Chad and Libya, al-Maliha is approximately 200 kilometers north of El Fasher, which remains under military control. Fighting in this region has persisted, further complicating the conflict scenario.
The conflict has created the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, resulting in over 28,000 deaths and displacing millions. Some families have resorted to consuming grass amid widespread famine. The Republican Palace was originally an emblem of governance during the British colonial period and the site of Sudan’s first independent flags in 1956.
Sudan’s instability has persisted since the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and the subsequent military coup led by Burhan and Dagalo in 2021. Conflict between the military and RSF escalated in 2023, leading to significant civilian casualties and human rights concerns. The U.S. State Department previously described the RSF’s actions as genocidal, which has been denied by both the military and RSF.
The conflict continues to evolve, revealing the complex dynamics between the military, RSF, and the dire humanitarian situation affecting the Sudanese people.
The recent recapture of the Republican Palace by Sudan’s military emphasizes significant military gains against rival paramilitary forces in Khartoum. This event marks a pivotal evolution in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, which has resulted in debilitating humanitarian consequences. As both the military and Rapid Support Forces continue their struggle for power, the potential for civilian suffering remains acute. Addressing these humanitarian crises alongside the political turmoil is essential for Sudan’s future stability.
Original Source: www.haltonhillstoday.ca
