Sudan’s military has retaken the Republican Palace in Khartoum, the last stronghold of rival forces, marking a significant advancement after nearly two years of conflict. The palace, historically important, shows signs of destruction, reflecting the ongoing violence. The humanitarian crisis remains severe, with over 28,000 reported deaths and vast displacement of civilians, underscoring the urgent need for resolution and support.
Sudan’s military has announced it has regained control of the Republican Palace in Khartoum after nearly two years of conflict. This location was the last stronghold of rival paramilitary forces in the capital. Social media footage displayed soldiers celebrating their achievement, indicating significant territorial advancement.
A military officer confirmed the retaking of the palace, where soldiers were seen amidst destruction, describing the scene as marked by damaged tiles and jubilant chants of “God is the greatest.” Meanwhile, Sudan’s Information Minister, Khaled al-Aiser, praised the military’s victory, asserting that the journey towards complete victory continues.
The Republican Palace has historical significance as it previously housed government functions. Its retaking highlights the military’s progress under General Abdel-Fattah Burhan’s leadership. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, have suffered serious setbacks in Khartoum since the war ignited in April 2023.
On the same day, sporadic gunfire echoed through the city, leaving unclear the nature of the clashes—whether celebrational or resentful. RSF refrained from recognizing their loss, and although they claimed control of al-Maliha, a strategic city, the military denied having lost it. Fighting persists as factions engage in continual territorial disputes.
The humanitarian impact of the conflict is severe, with the United Nations characterizing it as one of the world’s largest crises. Reports indicate over 28,000 deaths and mass displacements, leading families to resort to desperate measures for food. The Republican Palace, a symbol of political authority since colonial times, has been subjected to ongoing military targeting, underscoring the region’s volatility.
The struggle for power in Sudan has escalated significantly since the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, which sparked attempts at democratic transition that ultimately failed after military coups in 2021. With continued fighting between the military and RSF, allegations of human rights violations arise from multiple sources, including the U.S. State Department, which accused the RSF of genocidal acts during the conflict, though both factions deny any wrongdoing.
In summary, the Sudanese military’s successful retaking of the Republican Palace marks a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict featuring brutal fighting between the military and paramilitary forces. Despite their recent victory, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with dire consequences for civilians. The situation remains critical as both factions grapple for power, raising contentious allegations of human rights abuses amid unprecedented displacement and suffering across the nation.
Original Source: www.irishnews.com
