Sudan’s army is reportedly close to taking control of the Presidential Palace from the RSF, marking a significant development in an ongoing conflict. The RSF maintains control over parts of Khartoum and other regions while the humanitarian crisis escalates. Both sides accuse each other of war crimes, complicating the potential for peace talks.
Recent reports from Sudan state television indicate that the country’s army is nearing control of the Presidential Palace in Khartoum from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This development marks a crucial moment in the ongoing conflict that has intensified over the past two years, presenting further risks of division within the nation. The RSF had seized the palace and much of Khartoum at the war’s onset in April 2023, but the Sudanese Armed Forces have gradually advanced in recent months along the River Nile.
The RSF has established itself in various regions, including parts of Khartoum, Omdurman, and western Sudan. They are currently attempting to seize the army’s remaining stronghold in Darfur, specifically al-Fashir. Control of the capital could expedite the army’s total dominance across central Sudan, leading to a more pronounced territorial separation between the army and the RSF. Neither faction has shown any indication of willingness to engage in peace negotiations.
The violence has prompted what the United Nations describes as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, inciting widespread famine and disease across Sudan. Allegations of war crimes have been leveled against both parties, with the RSF facing accusations of genocide, which they categorically deny. The battle for control of the Presidential Palace has intensified in recent weeks, with RSF leaders employing strategic defenses, including snipers in the downtown area.
In an escalation of military engagement, the army has carried out airstrikes and drone assaults targeting locations in central Khartoum. While the army typically employs air supremacy, the RSF has demonstrated improved drone technology. Furthermore, the RSF announced on the messaging platform Telegram that it was advancing towards the Army General Command in central Khartoum.
Since late last year, the army’s progression through central Sudan has gained support from many displaced individuals who suffered due to the RSF’s reported looting and violence. Despite these claims, the RSF has responded by asserting that they will address misconduct on a case-by-case basis. While hundreds of thousands have reportedly returned to their homes, there are rising concerns about some soldiers allegedly engaging in theft, although the military disputes these allegations.
The ongoing struggle for control of the Presidential Palace in Sudan underscores the protracted conflict between the army and the RSF, with significant implications for the country’s stability. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with serious allegations against both factions complicating prospects for peace. With military engagements intensifying, the situation remains precarious as the population seeks stability and security amidst widespread violence and displacement.
Original Source: gazette.com
