The Sudanese army has regained control of Khartoum airport from paramilitary RSF forces, marking a significant gain in the ongoing conflict since April 2023. The army surrounds Jebel Awliya, cutting off escape routes for the RSF, while the humanitarian situation deteriorates with tens of thousands dead and millions displaced. The international community has expressed alarm over the ongoing violations and the humanitarian impact.
The Sudanese army has successfully retaken Khartoum airport from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), marking a significant advancement in their ongoing conflict, which began in April 2023. Army spokesperson Nabil Abdallah confirmed that the airport had been completely secured from the RSF fighters, who previously occupied the location. This victory follows a recent retake of the presidential palace, further consolidating the army’s position in central Khartoum, where they have reclaimed various state institutions.
Military sources report that the Sudanese army has surrounded the strategic Jebel Awliya area from three directions, with ongoing advances from the north, south, and east. They noted that remnants of the RSF are attempting to flee across the White Nile at the Jebel Awliya bridge, which is their only escape route to strongholds in the west and Darfur. Civilian witnesses have reported the retreat of RSF fighters towards Jebel Awliya, although the RSF has yet to comment on these developments.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in extensive humanitarian crises, with tens of thousands killed and over 12 million displaced. The country has effectively been split, with the army governing the east and north, while the RSF retains control over most of Darfur and parts of southern Sudan. Following a series of setbacks, the army began to reclaim its territories in late 2022, subsequently advancing toward Khartoum.
As the army makes progress, civilians in central Khartoum have begun to celebrate the RSF’s withdrawal. Eyewitnesses indicate that the RSF fighters have left homes they occupied, with some taking furniture as they retreated. Reports of rights abuses by the RSF have emerged since the conflict’s inception, including looting and acts of sexual violence.
The United States has imposed sanctions on both the army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo amid accusations against the latter of genocide in Darfur. The United Nations has voiced concern over ongoing attacks on civilians, revealing the dire situation exacerbated by airstrikes and shelling. Analysts warn of possible retaliatory actions by the RSF against civilians, while the army has been criticized for permitting allies to target those perceived to support the RSF.
In summary, the Sudanese army’s recapture of Khartoum airport represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict with the RSF. Despite claiming significant territory, the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, with severe repercussions for civilian populations. International concern remains high regarding the conduct of both factions and the broader implications for Sudan’s stability and future governance.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
