The Sudanese army has reported seizing control of key locations in central Khartoum from the RSF, including the Nile Towers and Sherwani Bus Station. This military advancement places the army closer to the Army Command and Presidential Palace. Despite the RSF’s declining territory, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan worsens, with increasing calls for an end to the conflict.
On Sunday, the Sudanese army announced its control over several key locations in central Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The military claimed to have taken the Nile Towers— a prominent residential and commercial structure— and the Al Mansheiya Bridge, both situated in the city center. Additionally, the Sherwani Bus Station, recognized as the largest transportation center in central Khartoum, has been secured by army forces.
Activists documented this military advancement by sharing videos online, depicting Sudanese soldiers patrolling not only the Sherwani Bus Station but also adjacent neighborhoods. This strategic gain places the army nearer to both the Army Command Center in the western part of Khartoum and the Presidential Palace located in the south. The RSF has yet to respond publicly to the army’s assertion.
RSF Commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, stated via a video message that his forces intend to maintain control of Khartoum and the Presidential Palace, which they have occupied since the onset of the conflict. The RSF’s control has notably declined in recent weeks, with the Sudanese army making headway in various states, including Khartoum, Al-Jazira, White Nile, North Kordofan, Sennar, and Blue Nile.
Within Khartoum state, comprised of three cities, the army has gained control over all of Bahri City to the north, a significant portion of Omdurman City to the west, and approximately 75% of central Khartoum City, which accommodates both the Presidential Palace and the primary airport. Despite these military advancements, the RSF retains dominance over the eastern and southern areas of the city.
The ongoing conflict between the army and RSF, which began in mid-April 2023, has resulted in over 20,000 fatalities and the displacement of approximately 14 million individuals, according to reports from the United Nations and local authorities. However, a study conducted by U.S. universities estimates the death toll to be approximately 130,000.
There has been an increasing number of international and UN appeals to cease hostilities, amidst warnings of a looming humanitarian crisis, as millions face severe food shortages and the threat of famine. The conflict has extended its reach to 13 of Sudan’s 18 states, exacerbating the crisis.
The Sudanese army’s recent territorial gains in Khartoum against the RSF highlight significant developments in the ongoing conflict. With control over vital locations such as the Nile Towers and the Sherwani Bus Station, the army’s position strengthens, exposing the RSF’s diminishing hold in the region. However, the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, necessitating urgent international intervention to avert catastrophe.
Original Source: www.yenisafak.com
