Sudan’s military has retaken the Republican Palace in Khartoum after nearly two years of conflict, marking a significant victory against the Rapid Support Forces. The takeover has amplified the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where thousands have died and millions displaced due to the ongoing war, with serious allegations of human rights abuses by both factions.
Sudan’s military has successfully reclaimed the Republican Palace in Khartoum after nearly two years of armed conflict against rival paramilitary forces. This facility, a significant bastion in the capital, was overtaken by military personnel who commemorated their victory by announcing the date as the 21st of Ramadan, coinciding with Friday. The compound exhibits signs of damage, with troops expressing their triumph through chants of religious significance.
Khaled al-Aiser, Sudan’s information minister, confirmed the successful takeover in a post on the social media platform X, articulating that the flag has been raised and the palace restored as the military aims for complete victory. The Republican Palace, historically noted for its significance during the British colonization and its position as the governmental seat, represents a strategic gain for the military under army chief General Abdel-Fattah Burhan.
The conflict in Sudan, which commenced in April 2023, has primarily pitted the Sudanese military against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. The RSF’s stance appears weakened as they have been expelled from Khartoum, though other regions remain under their control. Reports indicate ongoing clashes, such as the RSF’s claim of taking al-Maliha, a city pivotal due to its strategic location.
The humanitarian impact of the conflict is severe, with over 28,000 lives lost and millions displaced, resulting in widespread famine and desperate survival measures amongst affected populations. The United Nations has classified this crisis as the largest humanitarian disaster globally. The palace has long been a target for artillery by the military, marking its historical unfair treatment as a site of governance and power.
Since the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, Sudan has faced instability, culminating in a military coup in 2021. Both the Sudanese military and RSF have been implicated in human rights violations during the ongoing conflict, with organizations reporting abuses against ethnic groups. In a declaration before leaving office, the Biden administration stated that the RSF is committing acts that amount to genocide, a claim that both the military and RSF have denied.
In summary, the Sudanese military’s recapture of the Republican Palace signifies a significant development in the ongoing conflict against the RSF, highlighting the continued battle for control within the country. The humanitarian crisis arising from this conflict remains dire, with substantial loss of life and mass displacement. The political landscape of Sudan remains fraught with challenges, as evidenced by the military’s historical targeting of the palace and allegations of human rights violations.
Original Source: www.irishnews.com
