Sudan’s military has reclaimed the Republican Palace in Khartoum from rival paramilitary forces after nearly two years of conflict. The announcement marks a strategic victory amidst a worsening humanitarian crisis in the region, where over 28,000 people have died and millions have been displaced. The ongoing struggle poses serious implications for Sudan’s stability and safety as both factions face accusations of human rights violations.
Sudan’s military recently announced it has reclaimed the Republican Palace in Khartoum, which was the last significant location in the capital controlled by rival paramilitary forces. This development occurred after almost two years of conflict. Videos on social media captured military personnel confirming their presence inside the palace, marking a noteworthy success for the Sudanese armed forces under General Abdel-Fattah Burhan.
Social media footage revealed soldiers inside the damaged palace celebrating the moment. Khaled al-Aiser, Sudan’s information minister, communicated via X that “Today the flag is raised, the palace is back and the journey continues until victory is complete.” The Republican Palace, an iconic structure along the Nile River, has historical significance as it served as the seat of power in Sudan, encompassing a rich legacy from British colonial rule to the era of national independence.
This strategic victory indicates the expulsion of the Rapid Support Forces, led by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, from the capital. However, the RSF has not acknowledged this defeat, and fierce combat is anticipated to persist, as they retain territorial control in other regions of Sudan. Notably, the RSF had claimed control of al-Maliha, a key city in North Darfur, amidst ongoing military engagements with Sudanese forces.
The conflict has escalated, leading to dire humanitarian consequences, with over 28,000 fatalities reported and millions displaced. Alarmingly, reports indicate families resorting to extreme measures, including consuming grass, in their struggle for survival as famine looms. The Republican Palace’s storied past includes being a central site during Sudan’s historical transitions, from British governance to independence.
Sudan has grappled with instability since the 2019 uprising that led to the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir. Subsequent military takeover attempts in 2021 disrupted a brief transition to democracy. Throughout 2023, the military, along with allied militias, has intensified confrontations against the RSF, resulting in an alarming rise in civilian casualties. Both factions have faced serious accusations of human rights violations amidst this ongoing crisis. The situation remains precarious as international observers continue to monitor the developments in Sudan.
In summary, the Sudanese military’s retaking of the Republican Palace marks a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces. Despite this victory, the humanitarian crisis in the region continues to worsen, with high fatalities and widespread displacement reported. The broader implications for the stability of Sudan remain uncertain, as both military factions continue to face allegations of human rights abuses in a conflict that has inflicted severe suffering on the civilian population.
Original Source: apnews.com
