Sudan’s military has announced the reclamation of the Republican Palace in Khartoum, asserting a significant military victory against the rival RSF after nearly two years of conflict. This event, confirmed by Sudan’s information minister, marks a critical point in the ongoing violence that has left the nation in humanitarian crisis. Despite this setback for the RSF, fighting persists, and allegations of human rights abuses continue to plague both factions.
On Friday, Sudan’s military announced that it has successfully retaken the Republican Palace in Khartoum, a significant stronghold previously held by rival paramilitary forces. Video footage on social media showcased soldiers inside the compound, indicating their presence on the 21st day of Ramadan. A military officer confirmed the troops’ position within the palace, which reportedly exhibits damage, with soldiers celebrating their gain by chanting religious praises.
Khaled al-Aiser, Sudan’s information minister, confirmed the military’s reclamation of the palace via the social media platform X, stating, “Today the flag is raised, the palace is back and the journey continues until victory is complete.” The capture of this strategic location is a milestone for Sudan’s military, led by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, marking a major defeat for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, who have since largely been expelled from Khartoum since the conflict commenced in April 2023.
Despite this setback, the RSF has not publicly acknowledged their loss and continues to retain control over various regions within Sudan. Reports on Thursday indicated that the RSF had taken control of al-Maliha, a strategic city in North Darfur, which is located near the borders of Chad and Libya. Sudan’s military has recognized ongoing combat in this area but has not confirmed the loss of the city. Gunfire was reported throughout Khartoum on Friday, the nature of which remains uncertain.
The humanitarian crisis stemming from this conflict has been profound, with the U.N. warning that it has become the world’s largest humanitarian emergency. The death toll has surpassed 28,000, with millions displaced and some communities resorting to consuming grass amid severe famine. The Republican Palace, a historic seat of power dating back to British colonization, has systematically been targeted by military forces during these ongoing hostilities.
Since the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, Sudan has repeatedly experienced turmoil. A period of democratic transition was disrupted by a military coup in 2021, catalyzing the violent clashes between the military and the RSF that began in early 2023. Civilian casualties have soared as military operations escalate, drawing international condemnation against both the military and RSF for alleged human rights violations.
In summary, the Sudanese military’s retaking of the Republican Palace signifies a notable advancement in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the strategic and symbolic importance of the location. While the RSF has suffered a setback in Khartoum, the broader humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, revealing the dire consequences of prolonged instability and violence in Sudan. The international community remains watchful as allegations of human rights abuses escalate amidst the turmoil.
Original Source: www.haltonhillstoday.ca
