Sudan’s military has retaken the Republican Palace in Khartoum, marking a significant victory over the rival RSF after nearly two years of conflict. The situation remains precarious, with thousands dead and a deepening humanitarian crisis. Despite the loss, fighting is expected to continue as the RSF retains control over other regions.
Sudan’s military announced it has regained control of the Republican Palace in Khartoum, which had been held by rival paramilitary forces for nearly two years. This development was confirmed through social media videos, where soldiers were seen inside the compound, with an officer declaring the date as the 21st day of Ramadan. The Republican Palace, partially in ruins, witnessed soldiers chanting as they celebrated the strategic victory.
The capture of the palace, historically significant as the former seat of government along the Nile River, signifies a decisive battlefield gain for the Sudanese military, spearheaded by General Abdel-Fattah Burhan. With the loss of this strategic location, the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, have been expelled from Khartoum, although they maintain control in other areas of Sudan.
The RSF has not recognized this loss, and fighting is expected to continue as they and their allies occupy other territories. The ongoing conflict since April 2023 has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, claiming over 28,000 lives and displacing millions. Some reports indicate an even higher death toll amid widespread famine affecting numerous families.
Historically, the Republican Palace has served as a significant site during both British colonization and Sudan’s post-independence era. The palace was previously the main office for Sudan’s leadership, making its retaking important for the military. Throughout the conflict, the military has consistently targeted the palace, resulting in extensive damage.
Sudan has faced turmoil since the ousting of autocrat Omar al-Bashir in 2019, with a brief attempt at democratic governance disrupted by a military coup involving Burhan and Dagalo in 2021. Since the beginning of this year, Burhan’s forces have been engaged in active combat against the RSF, securing significant advances that have resulted in increasing civilian casualties.
Omar al-Bashir, now facing charges related to genocide at the International Criminal Court, is linked to earlier abuses in Darfur, with current allegations surfacing against the RSF and affiliated militias concerning ethnic violence. Both the Sudanese military and RSF are reportedly facing accusations of human rights violations, with the U.S. State Department characterizing the RSF’s actions as genocidal prior to President Biden’s departure from office.
The recent retaking of the Republican Palace by Sudan’s military marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict with the RSF, signifying both a strategic victory and an escalation in hostilities. This development has further compounded the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with substantial loss of life and widespread displacement. The historical significance of the palace and the advancement of military forces highlight the complexities of Sudan’s unstable political landscape.
Original Source: www.clickorlando.com
