Sudan’s military has recaptured key locations in central Khartoum from paramilitary control, including the presidential palace, Central Bank, and state intelligence headquarters. Despite these advancements, the country remains divided, with the RSF controlling the west and south. Civilian casualties continue to rise, illustrating the conflict’s severe implications.
On Saturday, Sudan’s military announced significant victories in central Khartoum, having recaptured several strategic buildings from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Following the successful retaking of the presidential palace, army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan declared intentions for the “full liberation” of the capital. Army spokesman Nabil Abdallah reported that the military was intensifying pressure on the RSF, listing key sites, including the Central Bank and the state intelligence headquarters, among those regained.
Despite these advancements in Khartoum, the situation in Sudan remains complex, as the country is effectively divided. The army maintains control over the eastern and northern regions, whereas the RSF dominates the western region of Darfur and parts of the southern territories. Furthermore, activists reported that a paramilitary attack in North Darfur resulted in numerous civilian casualties, illustrating the ongoing violence beyond the capital.
The initial weeks of conflict that erupted in April 2023 saw paramilitaries overrun and loot Sudan’s national institutions in central Khartoum. An RSF source acknowledged a withdrawal from certain locations in central Khartoum but emphasized that the outcomes of the fighting have yet to be determined. He noted that “our forces are now waging a fierce battle” near the airport, indicating that hostilities continue.
The Sudanese military’s recent gains in central Khartoum highlight the ongoing conflict’s complexity, characterized by a significant power divide between the military and the RSF. As the situation develops, civilian casualties and regional instability remain pressing concerns. The military’s advances may not signify a conclusive resolution, and fierce battles persist within the capital, underscoring the precarious nature of the situation in Sudan.
Original Source: www.scmp.com