The Sudanese Armed Forces have reclaimed the Presidential Palace in Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces, marking a vital victory in their ongoing conflict. This intensified fighting has resulted in over 28,000 deaths and immense humanitarian crises, with serious allegations of war crimes against both groups. Current reports highlight alarming civilian casualties and atrocities occurring amidst the conflict.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have successfully regained control of the Presidential Palace in Khartoum, marking a pivotal victory against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has seized extensive territory during the ongoing conflict since April 2023. This fighting has precipitated one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, resulting in over 28,000 fatalities and displacing 11 million individuals, as reported by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data initiative.
The RSF has besieged Khartoum since the inception of the conflict, but the government announced on Friday that its troops regained the Presidential Palace and will continue efforts to reclaim the remainder of the capital. Information Minister Khalid Al-Aiser expressed optimism on social media, stating, “Today the flag is raised, the palace is back, and the journey continues until victory is complete.”
Despite this victory, portions of Khartoum and other vital regions remain under RSF control, particularly the western, southern, and central regions including Darfur, which has seen rampant ethnic violence. Conversely, the SAF governs the eastern and northern territories. Reclaiming Khartoum holds symbolic significance for the SAF, especially as the RSF aims to establish a rival government, although such military actions pose significant risks to civilians caught in hostilities.
According to UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Seif Magango, civilian casualties from recent artillery shelling and air raids by both combatants are alarming, stating, “Dozens of civilians, including local humanitarian volunteers, have been killed.” Both fighting factions face accusations of war crimes, with the RSF specifically charged with genocide by U.S. authorities in January, marking the second such accusation in two decades.
Recent UNICEF reports indicate that the SAF is implicated in serious violations, including sexual violence against children. Magango revealed further atrocities, including, “credible reports indicate that the RSF and allied militia have raided homes in eastern Khartoum, carrying out summary killings and arbitrary detentions.” Moreover, both the RSF and SAF have been reported to engage in looting and unlawful activities throughout the regions they control, exacerbating the crisis that impacts civilians severely.
In summary, the Sudanese Armed Forces have regained the Presidential Palace in a significant military achievement amidst a brutal conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The ongoing military clash has inflicted severe humanitarian consequences, with high civilian casualties and numerous allegations of war crimes against both factions. The situation remains dire as both sides continue their violent struggle for control, perpetuating instability and suffering for the Sudanese people.
Original Source: www.wral.com
