Sudan’s army chief visited the recaptured headquarters in Khartoum after a violent encirclement by paramilitary RSF forces since April 2023. This recapture marks a significant army victory, as the ongoing conflict continues to escalate, resulting in a humanitarian catastrophe with millions displaced and facing famine.
On Sunday, Sudan’s Army Chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, visited the military headquarters in Khartoum, which had been recaptured from paramilitary fighters two days prior. The General Command building had been surrounded by forces since the conflict began in April 2023. Al-Burhan asserted, “Our forces are in their best condition,” addressing commanders at the strategically important site near the city center and airport.
The recovery of the General Command building signifies a major victory for the army, marking its most significant achievement in Khartoum since it reclaimed Omdurman nearly a year ago. Following a successful military maneuver, the army integrated troops from Khartoum North and Omdurman into its forces stationed at the headquarters. The situation escalated as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) surrounded both the Signal Corps and the General Command since the commencement of hostilities.
The army reportedly lifted a siege on the Signal Corps and subsequently resecured its main headquarters. Initially, military operations had relied on airdrops for supplying forces trapped within the headquarters, as al-Burhan himself remained confined there for four months. He only managed to escape to Port Sudan in August 2023, following his emergence from captivity.
The army’s recent advancements include retaking control of Wad Madani, located just south of Khartoum, thereby securing a critical crossroads linking the capital to adjacent regions. However, the ongoing conflict has precipitated a severe humanitarian crisis. The United Nations estimates that tens of thousands have perished and over 12 million have been displaced due to the violence.
The situation in Sudan has deteriorated to the extent that famine has been declared in certain areas, with risks escalating for additional vulnerable populations. Reports from last year noted that desperate residents are resorting to eating grass and peanut shells for survival.
The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023 between army forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to significant territorial and humanitarian crises in the region. The struggle for control, particularly around critical military and civilian sites, has resulted in widespread casualties and displacement, prompting calls for international attention and humanitarian aid. Humanitarian assessments indicate a dire situation, with millions at risk of famine as the conflict persists.
The recent recapture of the military headquarters in Khartoum is a pivotal achievement for Sudan’s armed forces amid an ongoing and brutal conflict with the RSF. This victory, coupled with the reclaiming of strategic locations, reflects the complexities of warfare in a deeply affected nation. However, the humanitarian crisis continues to unfold, necessitating urgent intervention and support for millions of affected individuals.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
