Sudan Army Advances in Khartoum Amid Intensified Conflict with RSF
Sudanese army forces have intensified their assault on Khartoum, breaking RSF sieges and advancing towards the city center. The situation has led to increased civilian casualties, particularly from RSF shelling. The conflict has resulted in widespread displacement and humanitarian crises, with a growing number of people suffering from food insecurity in affected regions.
On Monday, Sudanese army forces advanced towards Khartoum, intensifying a conflict against rival paramilitary factions. A military spokesman announced that these forces converged in the capital’s center, marking a significant step in their attempt to retake control of the city. The army has engaged in combat with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, with recent victories after breaking prolonged sieges on vital military locations.
According to Army spokesman Nabil Abdullah Ali, Armoured Corps units made critical advances from the south, capturing a hospital held by the RSF, which allowed them to join forces with troops already stationed in central Khartoum. A military expert, wishing to remain unnamed due to safety concerns, stated that this maneuver could solidify the army’s control in the central region of Khartoum and increase pressure on RSF troops near the presidential palace.
The conflict between the RSF and the army has escalated, as the army aims to reclaim territory lost during the initial stages of the conflict. Notably, the Armoured Corps escaped a months-long RSF siege on its headquarters last October and ended a nearly two-year RSF siege of its General Command headquarters in January.
The violence has resulted in a tragic toll; recent RSF shelling in Omdurman has resulted in civilian casualties, including six fatalities and 36 injuries, as reported by a doctor at Al-Nao hospital. The bombardment struck residential areas, affecting innocent civilians, including children. The army-aligned Khartoum regional government implicated RSF forces in this assault on the civilian population.
RSF commander, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, reaffirmed his troops’ commitment to maintaining their position at the Republican Palace amidst ongoing clashes. The conflict has led to catastrophic humanitarian consequences, with tens of thousands dead, over 12 million displaced, and the largest hunger crisis globally. Around 3.5 million people in Khartoum have been displaced due to the conflict, as estimated by the United Nations.
Further violence has spilled into North Kordofan, where shelling resulted in additional civilian casualties. UN reports indicate that over 200,000 individuals in the region are currently displaced, while nearly one million face acute food insecurity. Clashes have also erupted in Blue Nile state, contributing to the destabilization.
The ongoing conflict has fractured Sudan significantly, with the RSF dominating much of Darfur and parts of the south, while the army controls the northern and eastern regions. Despite this, the army’s recent advancements suggest they may be poised to reclaim full control of Khartoum.
In conclusion, the Sudanese army’s recent gains in Khartoum and surrounding areas mark significant developments in the ongoing conflict against the RSF. With the escalation of violence resulting in substantial civilian casualties and widespread displacement, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to deepen. As the army seeks to consolidate control over Khartoum, the international community watches closely, recognizing the potential for further instability in the region.
Original Source: www.france24.com
