Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan declared Khartoum free from the RSF after nearly two years of war. His announcement followed military gains against the paramilitary group. The ongoing conflict has caused tens of thousands of deaths and significant displacements, raising alarms from international bodies regarding humanitarian impacts and rights abuses.
On Wednesday, Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan declared Khartoum liberated from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after nearly two years of conflict. In a televised statement, Burhan stated, “Khartoum is free, it’s done,” following a campaign to reclaim state institutions in central Khartoum. His visit to the former government seat saw him clad in military fatigues, accompanied by soldiers celebrating the victory amidst the war’s devastation.
The conflict began in April 2023, following a power struggle between Burhan and former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, which saw the RSF seize control of the capital’s government district and compel authorities to relocate to Port Sudan. Despite the recent victories against the RSF, analysts caution that the war is not over, especially as the RSF has formed a new rebel alliance in southern Sudan.
The army reported on Wednesday that it had cleared Khartoum’s airport of RSF fighters and was surrounding the paramilitary’s stronghold south of the city. Army sources indicated that remnants of the RSF were escaping across the White Nile, notably using the Jebel Awliya bridge, their last exit route from the capital. Witnesses have also noted a retreat of RSF fighters towards the south.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced more than 12 million people, creating an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The war has fragmented Sudan, with the army controlling the east and north while the RSF dominates the west and parts of the south. Additionally, the RSF announced a military alliance with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, further complicating the situation.
Despite military successes, the humanitarian toll has been severe, with over 3.5 million fleeing Khartoum. Those remaining face hunger and violence amidst the fighting. Celebrations erupted in central Khartoum as residents welcomed the RSF’s retreat, with demonstrators chanting in Port Sudan. Eyewitness accounts indicated that RSF fighters abandoned their positions and properties, raising concerns about their past conduct, including looting and severe rights abuses.
The United States has imposed sanctions on both Burhan and Daglo for war crimes, specifically targeting the RSF commander for alleged genocide in Darfur. The United Nations has condemned the ongoing attacks on civilians and expressed alarm over the humanitarian crisis.
In summary, the declaration of Khartoum as free from the RSF signifies a notable moment in the ongoing conflict, but the underlying issues and humanitarian crises remain deeply concerning. The recent developments underscore the complexity of the conflict and the persistent threat of violence against civilians, necessitating urgent international attention and intervention.
The declaration by Sudan’s army chief of Khartoum’s liberation from the RSF marks a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict but highlights the numerous challenges that remain. Tens of thousands have lost their lives, and millions are displaced, facing dire humanitarian circumstances. The unresolved tensions and emerging alliances among factions suggest that while military victories may occur, the path to peace and stability in Sudan is fraught with difficulties. Continuous monitoring and international support are crucial to addressing the humanitarian crises and ensuring the protection of civilians amidst findings of widespread abuse and violence.
Original Source: www.sanfordherald.com
