Sudan’s army has regained control of the presidential palace in Khartoum after two years of RSF occupation. The army announced this significant development through their information minister and demonstrated further territorial gains by capturing ministries. An RSF drone strike following the recapture resulted in the deaths of three journalists, while the conflict continues to displace millions and raise concerns over potential fragmentation in Sudan.
The Sudanese army has claimed complete control over the presidential palace in Khartoum, two years after it was under the authority of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The government, aligned with the army, announced this significant reclaiming of territory via a statement on Friday, with Khaled al-Aiser, Sudan’s information minister, affirming the capture by stating that the journey to victory continues. Social media footage revealed armed troops celebrating within the palace grounds.
The RSF took control of the palace complex and significant areas of the capital in April 2023, igniting a conflict with the Sudanese army. This prompted the government, led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, to retreat to Port Sudan, located along the Red Sea coast. The palace complex includes both an older Ottoman-Egyptian structure built in 1825 and a larger building established in 2015 by former president Omar al-Bashir; both structures have experienced damage during the protracted fighting.
Following the recapture, the army also reported the acquisition of various ministries and pivotal buildings in central Khartoum. However, an RSF drone strike on the palace resulted in the unfortunate deaths of three journalists from Sudanese state television. Although the RSF claimed proximity to the palace and insisted that the conflict persists, the army has noted considerable territorial gains in recent months, though the RSF maintains a stronghold in Darfur.
Concerns have been raised about the RSF’s alleged genocide against non-Arab groups in Darfur, as highlighted by a report from the Raoul Wallenberg Centre. The RSF and its leaders, including Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, facing sanctions from the United States, have taken steps towards establishing a parallel government, which is reportedly supported by the United Arab Emirates. This situation raises fears of a fragmentation reminiscent of the “Libya situation,” where Sudan could potentially divide into multiple entities. Additionally, the ongoing two-year conflict has displaced over 10 million individuals and has led to severe food insecurity affecting more than 12 million people, with thousands reported killed.
In conclusion, the Sudanese army’s recapture of the presidential palace marks a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict with the RSF. Despite regaining control of key locations, the situation remains precarious, with continued violence and allegations of genocide in regions such as Darfur. The international community remains watchful as Sudan grapples with potential political fragmentation amid escalating humanitarian crises resulting from the two-year conflict.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
