The Sudanese army is close to reclaiming the Presidential Palace in Khartoum from the paramilitary RSF, marking a significant turn in a two-year conflict. The RSF, which has occupied parts of the capital, continues to resist fiercely. The ongoing struggle has resulted in a humanitarian crisis deemed the largest in the world, with both sides accused of war crimes. Progress from the army has led to some people returning home, yet allegations of military misconduct persist.
Sudan’s army is reportedly nearing control of the Presidential Palace in Khartoum, currently held by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This development marks a significant point in the ongoing two-year conflict, which risks further disintegration of the nation. The RSF initially seized the palace during the conflict’s onset in April 2023 but has faced mounting pressure from Sudanese Armed Forces, which have made strides toward regaining control along the River Nile.
The RSF has created a parallel governance structure and retains control over portions of Khartoum and Omdurman, alongside western Sudan. The battle for the army’s last stronghold in Darfur, al-Fashir, continues amidst the RSF’s attempts to dominate more territory. Should the Sudanese Armed Forces secure the capital, it may accelerate their full dominance across central Sudan and solidify territorial splits between the factions.
Despite ongoing conflict, both sides remain committed to their military campaigns, with no peace talks currently in sight. The strife erupted from a power struggle between the army and the RSF during a proposed transition to civilian governance. The United Nations has classified this conflict as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, resulting in widespread famine and disease. Both combatants face accusations of war crimes, while the RSF, in particular, confronts claims of genocide.
The RSF is actively defending the Palace, with their leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, reinforcing their positions. Reports indicate that airstrikes and drone attacks from the army continue to target key sites in Khartoum, where they hold dominance over the airspace despite the RSF’s emergent drone capabilities. The RSF highlighted advances towards the Army General Command in central Khartoum, indicating ongoing skirmishes from southern positions.
While the army’s progress has brought some relief to displaced residents, the RSF faces serious allegations of widespread violence, theft, and unlawful occupation. Activists have reported instances of military misconduct, though the army has categorically denied these claims. Despite these tensions, there has been a notable return of hundreds of thousands of individuals to their homes in Central Sudan, hinting at a complex and evolving situation in the region.
In summary, the Sudanese army’s potential reclamation of the Presidential Palace symbolizes a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict with the RSF. With both factions determined to assert control and unyielding humanitarian crises further complicating the landscape, the future remains uncertain. Efforts towards peace have stalled, and both sides continue to face serious allegations of human rights abuses amidst the strife.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
