Sudan’s army is poised to reclaim the Presidential Palace in Khartoum from the RSF amid a two-year conflict. The RSF retains control of significant areas but faces ongoing military pressure. The situation has escalated into a severe humanitarian crisis, with both sides accused of war crimes. The war continues without substantial resolution efforts.
Reports from state television indicate that Sudan’s army is on the verge of reclaiming the Presidential Palace in Khartoum from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This situation arises amidst a prolonged conflict that has persisted for two years, threatening the stability and unity of the nation.
At the war’s outbreak in April 2023, the RSF swiftly seized the palace and a significant portion of the capital. However, in recent months, the Sudanese Armed Forces have gradually regained ground, moving closer to the palace along the River Nile. The RSF has since established a parallel governance structure and continues to hold areas in Khartoum, Omdurman, and parts of western Sudan, where it is vying for control of the army’s final stronghold in Darfur’s al-Fashir.
The potential seizure of the capital may accelerate the army’s efforts to dominate central Sudan, solidifying the territorial division between the two forces. Despite the ongoing conflict, both factions have signaled their commitment to continue fighting, and no real progress has been made towards peace negotiations.
The conflict has precipitated what the United Nations identifies as the largest humanitarian crisis globally, resulting in widespread famine and disease. Both the army and the RSF face accusations of war crimes, with the RSF specifically charged with genocide, allegations which both parties vehemently deny.
Intense fighting has erupted around the Presidential Palace, with the RSF employing snipers from nearby buildings to defend their position. RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo recently ordered his troops to hold the palace at all costs. Witnesses reported sounds of explosions stemming from airstrikes and drone attacks launched by the army targeting central Khartoum, a domain where the army has maintained superior air power.
On social media platform Telegram, the RSF claimed advancements toward the Army General Command in central Khartoum. Eyewitnesses observed RSF attacks emerging from southern regions of Khartoum, and as the armed forces advance, many displaced individuals have welcomed this development. However, there have been warnings of potential robberies by soldiers, which the military has categorically refuted, despite growing concerns from activists.
In summary, the Sudanese army’s progress towards reclaiming the Presidential Palace marks a critical juncture in a protracted conflict with the RSF. As the humanitarian situation worsens, both factions persist in their struggle for control over the nation, with serious allegations of war crimes hanging over them. The future remains uncertain as calls for peace remain unaddressed, highlighting the urgent need for resolution in Sudan.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
