Sudan’s army is reportedly close to seizing control of the Presidential Palace in Khartoum from the RSF, marking a crucial moment in the ongoing conflict. The RSF holds significant portions of the capital and is entrenched in its power struggle. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, with accusations of war crimes against both sides persisting amid the fighting.
On Thursday, state television reported that Sudan’s army is nearing control of the Presidential Palace in Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This development marks a significant point in a two-year-old conflict that poses risks of fracturing the nation. The RSF swiftly captured the palace and much of the capital when the war erupted in April 2023, but the Sudanese Armed Forces have recently intensified their efforts to reclaim territory along the River Nile.
The RSF has established a parallel governance structure while retaining authority in parts of Khartoum, Omdurman, and Western Sudan, where it seeks to dominate the army’s stronghold in Darfur, particularly al-Fashir. A complete takeover of the capital by the army could facilitate its control over central Sudan and solidify the territorial divide between the opposing forces. Both factions have committed to ongoing hostilities as peace negotiations have yet to occur.
The conflict has emerged from a power struggle between the army and RSF, following ambitions for a transition to civilian governance. The United Nations has labeled the resultant situation as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, leading to widespread famine and disease. Accusations of war crimes have been leveled against both parties, with the RSF facing specific charges of genocide, which the groups vehemently deny.
Intense fighting for the Presidential Palace has persisted, with the RSF employing snipers and vehemently defending their position. RSF commander, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, ordered troops to hold their ground. Explosions from army-operated airstrikes and drone assaults targeting central Khartoum were reported late Wednesday through Thursday.
The army has maintained aerial superiority over the RSF, although there are signs of improved drone capabilities within the paramilitary faction. According to statements via the Telegram app, the RSF is claiming advancements towards the Army General Command in central Khartoum, with eyewitnesses confirming RSF actions from southern Khartoum.
The army’s resurgence in central Sudan has been positively received by many displaced individuals, who have suffered at the hands of the RSF’s alleged looting and killings. Nonetheless, RSF leadership disavows these allegations and claims that justice will be applied to those responsible for any misconduct. Despite ongoing hostilities, hundreds of thousands have cautiously returned to their homes in Central Sudan, even as reports of military misconduct continue to arise in Omdurman, allegations the military consistently refutes.
In conclusion, the battle for the Presidential Palace in Sudan highlights critical developments in a prolonged conflict between the army and the RSF. As the army inches toward reclaiming control, the humanitarian crisis exacerbates, characterized by allegations of war crimes and widespread suffering among civilians. Continuous hostilities and the lack of peace talks further emphasize the volatile situation that could redefine Sudan’s territorial dynamics and governance future.
Original Source: gazette.com
