The Sudanese army has claimed control over Souq Libya, a key market in Omdurman, from the Rapid Support Forces. This action is part of a broader campaign to regain the capital region amid a conflict that has resulted in the displacement of over 3.5 million residents. The struggle reflects a significant power divide across Sudan as challenges for civilians continue to mount.
The Sudanese army announced on Saturday its successful takeover of a major market in Omdurman, part of the Khartoum metropolitan area, previously utilized by the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for launching attacks. This marks a significant advancement in the army’s ongoing offensive aimed at regaining full control of the capital region, which encompasses Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri.
This military campaign has seen the army reclaim control over pivotal locations, including the presidential palace on March 21 and the war-torn airport, alongside other strategic sites. As per army spokesman Nabil Abdullah, the armed forces have increased “their control over Souq Libya in Omdurman” and confiscated “weapons and equipment left behind by” the RSF as they retreated.
Souq Libya, recognized as one of the largest and busiest markets in the Khartoum area, had served as a stronghold for the RSF, launching assaults in northern and central Omdurman since the onset of the conflict on April 15, 2023. Although much of Omdurman lies under army control, the RSF continues to maintain positions in the western region, especially within the Ombada district.
Military spokesman Abdullah stated that the army had successfully “cleansed” Khartoum of “the last pockets” of the RSF. The war in Sudan, ignited nearly two years ago due to a power struggle between the army and the RSF, has resulted in the displacement of over 3.5 million residents of Khartoum, according to UN estimates. Many others, unable or unwilling to evacuate, inhabit areas filled with abandoned properties, destroyed vehicles, and what the military claims are concealed mass graves.
The conflict has effectively divided Sudan, with the army exerting control in the eastern and northern regions while the RSF governs a significant portion of Darfur in the west and areas to the south.
The Sudanese army’s recent seizure of Souq Libya from the RSF represents a vital step in its endeavor to repossess the capital region. As battles escalate, the impact on civilians grows dire, with millions displaced and living amidst the wreckage of war. The ongoing struggle between the army and the RSF has also led to a significant geographical division within Sudan, further complicating the humanitarian crisis at hand.
Original Source: www.france24.com
