Sudan’s military has reclaimed the Republican Palace in Khartoum from rival paramilitary forces after nearly two years of conflict. The Information Minister confirmed the success on social media. The RSF’s loss of the palace does not eliminate the ongoing fighting as they maintain control of other regions. The war has led to significant humanitarian crises with a rising death toll and increasing civilian casualties.
Sudan’s military has announced the retaking of the Republican Palace in Khartoum, which represented the last stronghold of rival paramilitary forces amid nearly two years of conflict. Footage on social media displayed military personnel within the palace, documenting their efforts on Ramadan’s 21st day, with a captain proclaiming their success. The palace has suffered considerable damage, as evidenced by the broken tiles underfoot, while soldiers celebrated their gains by chanting praises.
Khaled al-Aiser, the Information Minister of Sudan, confirmed the recapture via a post on the social media platform X. He stated, “Today the flag is raised, the palace is back and the journey continues until victory is complete.” This strategic advance signifies a significant improvement for Sudan’s military, commanded by General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, while also indicating the defeat of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo within the capital.
Despite this loss, the RSF has not formally responded, indicating that conflict is likely to persist as they control other territories in Sudan. Recently, they claimed control over the strategically important city of al-Maliha in North Darfur, located approximately 200 kilometers from El Fasher, which is still under military control.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 28,000 fatalities and forced millions to evacuate their homes, with extreme conditions driving some to resort to consuming grass for survival. Furthermore, the varying estimates of casualties reflect the chaotic nature of the war, as noted by the head of the U.N. children’s agency.
Historically significant, the Republican Palace has served as the locus of power in Sudan from the time of British colonization and witnessed key moments in the nation’s governance. The military has persistently targeted this area, leading to substantial damage over time.
Sudan has grappled with instability since the 2019 uprising that led to the ousting of long-time president Omar al-Bashir. Following a failed transition to democracy, Burhan and Dagalo launched a military coup in 2021, subsequently igniting hostilities between their forces and the RSF in 2023. Civilian casualties have tragically risen as both sides strive for territorial control.
Al-Bashir faces international charges for crimes against humanity due to his earlier genocidal actions in Darfur. Reports indicate that both the Sudanese military and RSF have committed human rights violations during the current conflict, with U.S. declarations labeling the RSF’s actions as genocide, a claim the military and RSF have continually denied.
In summary, Sudan’s military has regained control of the Republican Palace in Khartoum, marking a crucial victory in ongoing hostilities with the RSF. This achievement highlights the evolving dynamics of conflict in Sudan, particularly under the command of General Burhan. However, with the RSF still holding territories elsewhere and ongoing humanitarian crises, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges and uncertainties. The historical significance of the palace underscores the deep-rooted complexities within Sudan’s political landscape.
Original Source: apnews.com
