Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced Khartoum is “free” from the RSF after military victories. Despite this, the RSF announced a new alliance, and analysts worry the conflict continues. The war has displaced millions and resulted in severe humanitarian crises and rights abuses.
On Wednesday, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the commander of Sudan’s armed forces, declared the capital, Khartoum, “free” from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after nearly two years of intense conflict. In a televised announcement, Burhan proclaimed, “Khartoum is free, it’s done,” following a campaign aimed at reclaiming government institutions within the city.
During his historic visit to the presidential palace, Burhan, dressed in military fatigues, was accompanied by soldiers who chanted praises amid the war-damaged surroundings. This visit marked his first since the outbreak of hostilities in April 2023, when the RSF, led by his former deputy, swiftly overtook significant government areas, prompting authorities to retreat to Port Sudan.
The Sudanese army achieved a considerable victory by regaining control over Khartoum’s airport and encircling the RSF, which recently declared the formation of a new rebel alliance. Despite these advances, experts caution that the conflict is not yet resolved, with lingering threats from RSF’s regrouping efforts in southern regions.
The past year has seen escalating violence, with casualties amounting to tens of thousands and over 12 million individuals displaced. As the conflict worsened, it has effectively divided the nation into territories controlled by the army and the RSF, respectively. Recently, the RSF formed a military alliance with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, expanding its influence.
Celebrations erupted across Khartoum as civilians welcomed the RSF’s retreat, indicative of the community’s resilience amidst adversity. Residents reported seeing fighters abandon their positions, and extensive displacement has left many civilians vulnerable to hunger and crisis as documented by United Nations reports.
Violations of human rights and structural abuses perpetrated by both the RSF and army continue to exacerbate the humanitarian situation. The United States has sanctioned key figures, including Burhan and RSF leader Daglo, for war crimes, stressing the urgent need for accountability and protection of civilians amidst ongoing conflicts in Sudan.
Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s declaration of Khartoum being “free” marks a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict with the RSF. However, despite recent military gains, analysts express concern that the conflict remains unresolved, particularly with RSF’s new alliances and persistent threats. The war has inflicted severe humanitarian crises, with widespread displacement and rights abuses that require immediate attention from the international community. The situation calls for a concerted effort towards peace and restoration of order in Sudan.
Original Source: www.sanfordherald.com
