Sudan’s military has reclaimed the Republican Palace in Khartoum, the last major stronghold of rival paramilitary forces, amid a two-year conflict. Despite this victory, allegations of human rights abuses persist against both factions, contributing to a dire humanitarian situation. The RSF continues to control other regions, while sporadic clashes are reported in the capital.
Recent developments in Sudan have seen the military regain control of Khartoum’s Republican Palace, the last fortified stronghold of paramilitary forces within the capital following nearly two years of conflict. This retake occurred during the 21st day of Ramadan, as captured in videos shared on social media, showing military personnel inside the palace compound, including scenes of damaged infrastructure and celebratory chants of ‘God is the greatest.’
Sudanese Information Minister Khaled al-Aiser confirmed the military’s reclamation of the palace in a post on social media platform X, stating, “Today the flag is raised, the palace is back and the journey continues until victory is complete.” The Republican Palace, historically significant as the former seat of government along the Nile, represents another military achievement under General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, who has led recent successful offensives against the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The RSF, commanded by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, has largely been expelled from Khartoum since the war commenced in April 2023. However, sporadic gunfire was reported on Friday, leaving its nature ambiguous as either combat or celebration. Meanwhile, the RSF has not publicly recognized their loss of the palace but claimed control of the strategic city of al-Maliha in North Darfur.
The ongoing conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis, claiming over 28,000 lives and displacing millions. Families are resorting to desperate measures, such as consuming grass, amid widespread famine. The Republican Palace had symbolized the country’s governance during British colonization and the initial years of Sudanese independence. Targeted by military forces, the palace has been a focal point of conflict.
Sudan has experienced instability following the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, with an interrupted transition to democracy leading to the military coup in 2021 involving Generals Burhan and Dagalo. Since the beginning of this year, military forces have targeted RSF positions aggressively, resulting in civilian casualties despite the ongoing conflict being marked by allegations of human rights violations from both sides. The situation is exacerbated by the legacy of al-Bashir, whose regime previously faced allegations of genocide in Darfur.
The US State Department has alleged the RSF is committing genocide, claims both military factions have refuted as they battle for territorial control and influence over Sudan’s governance, with no immediate resolution in sight.
The retaking of the Republican Palace by Sudan’s military marks a significant military advance amidst a prolonged and devastating conflict. Despite this achievement, both the military and the RSF have faced serious allegations of human rights abuses, and the humanitarian situation remains critical. With ongoing fighting and deepening instability, the prospects for peace and order in Sudan continue to seem bleak.
Original Source: www.peeblesshirenews.com
