Sudan’s military has retaken the last area in Khartoum held by the RSF, indicating the latter’s expulsion from the capital after the conflict began in April 2023. Over 28,000 people have been killed, and millions displaced due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, with widespread allegations of human rights abuses against both military factions.
Sudan’s military has announced the recapture of the last area in the capital of Khartoum formerly held by the rival paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), after the onset of the conflict in April 2023. This development indicates the RSF, led by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, has been expelled from Khartoum, although fighting is anticipated to continue as the group retains control over other territories in the country.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 28,000 fatalities and has forced millions to seek refuge from their homes. In dire conditions, some families have resorted to consuming grass to survive as famine takes hold in parts of Sudan. Different estimates suggest that the death toll could be even higher.
Historically significant, the Republican Palace served as a center of power during British colonization and witnessed the raising of Sudan’s first independent flags in 1956. It has been under constant attack from the Sudanese military, which has frequently shelled the palace and its grounds in efforts to reclaim territory.
Since the overthrow of long-serving autocrat Omar al-Bashir in 2019, Sudan has faced significant instability. A brief transition to democracy collapsed in 2021, when military leaders, including Burhan and Dagalo, staged a coup. The conflict between the Sudanese military and the RSF has escalated throughout 2023 as Burhan’s forces have progressively retaken strategic locations, including a major refinery north of Khartoum, further exacerbating civilian casualties.
Al-Bashir is currently facing charges of genocide at the International Criminal Court for actions taken during the early 2000s in Darfur when the Janjaweed militia, which evolved into the RSF, was involved. The RSF and allied Arab militias have faced accusations of targeting ethnic African populations in the ongoing war, drawing criticism from rights groups and the United Nations.
Both the Sudanese military and the RSF have been criticized for alleged human rights violations amid the conflict. The U.S. State Department previously declared the RSF guilty of committing genocide before President Joe Biden left office, although both factions deny the allegations against them.
In conclusion, Sudan’s military has regained control over Khartoum’s last stronghold held by the RSF, yet fighting persists throughout the nation. With over 28,000 lives lost and millions displaced, the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate. Historical sites like the Republican Palace reflect the conflict’s deep-rooted significance. Allegations of human rights abuses remain serious concerns as both the military and RSF persist in their conflict in Sudan.
Original Source: chatnewstoday.ca
