Sudan’s army is nearing control of the Presidential Palace from the RSF, signaling potential changes in the ongoing conflict. The RSF maintains control in parts of Khartoum, amid accusations of war crimes. The humanitarian situation is dire, with famine and disease rampant as both sides continue hostilities without peace talks.
On Thursday, Sudan’s state television reported that the army is nearing control of the Presidential Palace in Khartoum, following significant progress against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF initially seized the palace and much of the capital when the conflict erupted in April 2023. In recent months, the Sudanese Armed Forces have made noteworthy advances towards the palace along the River Nile.
While the RSF has established a parallel government and retains control over parts of Khartoum, Omdurman, and western Sudan, its hold on these territories is contested. The struggle for the capital could accelerate the Sudanese Armed Forces’ complete control over central Sudan and solidify the ongoing territorial division between the two forces. Both factions remain committed to continuing their fight despite the lack of progress in peace negotiations.
The ongoing conflict is now recognized as the world’s most significant humanitarian crisis, leading to widespread famine and disease across Sudan. The United Nations attributes severe humanitarian consequences to the fighting, as both sides face accusation of war crimes. The RSF, in particular, has been charged with genocide, although both factions deny these allegations.
In recent fighting, the RSF has been fiercely defending the Presidential Palace, employing snipers positioned in downtown buildings. RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo instructed his troops to hold their ground. Concurrently, the army conducted airstrikes and drone attacks on central Khartoum, maintaining aerial superiority despite the RSF’s reported improvement in drone technology.
Reports on the Telegram messenger app indicate RSF forces are advancing towards the Army General Command in Khartoum, with eyewitnesses noting attacks from southern areas of the capital. The army’s resurgence in central Sudan has been met with approval from displaced citizens previously affected by the RSF, which has been accused of looting and violence. Despite these claims, the RSF refutes accusations of misconduct and promises accountability for individual offenders.
Although hundreds of thousands of individuals have returned to their homes, concerns remain as some soldiers reportedly engage in robbery, allegations that the military consistently denies.
In conclusion, the conflict in Sudan continues to escalate as the army approaches the Presidential Palace, indicating a critical moment in the ongoing struggle against the RSF. With both sides adamantly refusing to cease hostilities, and reports of a burgeoning humanitarian disaster, the situation remains precarious. The implications of an army-controlled capital could reshape the territorial dynamics in Sudan significantly. Therefore, international attention and humanitarian support remain crucial as tensions persist and the populace endures the consequences of this protracted conflict.
Original Source: gazette.com
