Sudanese Military Regains Presidential Palace Amid Ongoing Conflict
The Sudanese military has regained control of the Khartoum presidential palace from the Rapid Support Forces, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict. The palace’s capture represents a victory for General Burhan’s forces amid escalating humanitarian crises, with over 28,000 deaths reported and allegations of human rights abuses by both parties involved. The conflict has roots in the political upheaval following the removal of President al-Bashir in 2019.
The Sudanese military has announced its successful retaking of the presidential palace in Khartoum from the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This significant achievement marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for nearly two years and has the potential to further destabilize the nation. The restoration of control over the Republican Palace represents a notable advancement for the military under the command of General Abdel-Fattah Burhan.
Footage shared on social media revealed military personnel inside the palace, celebrating the date as the 21st day of Ramadan. Soldiers, equipped with assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, expressed their triumph by chanting, “God is the greatest!” In the aftermath of the takeover, the state of the palace was shown to be damaged, highlighting the prolonged strife in the region.
The Republican Palace, once the government seat and a symbol of Sudan’s sovereignty, has historical significance dating back to British colonial rule and was an important location for events marking Sudanese independence. With the fall of this strategic site, the RSF has been effectively ousted from the capital following the outbreak of conflict in April 2023. However, they have not acknowledged their defeat, and the fighting is likely to continue, given that they maintain control over other regions of Sudan.
The ongoing war has resulted in unprecedented humanitarian crises, claiming over 28,000 lives, displacing millions, and causing severe famine conditions in many areas. Reports indicate that desperate families have resorted to consuming grass to survive. Additionally, the conflict has raised alarms on human rights abuses committed by both the military and the RSF, with allegations of genocide taking center stage following prior accusations against former President Omar al-Bashir.
Sudan has experienced political turbulence since a popular uprising in 2019 led to the removal of Omar al-Bashir. The brief transition to democracy came to a halt with the military coup orchestrated by Generals Burhan and Dagalo in 2021, culminating in the current hostilities between the Sudanese military and RSF. Despite a series of military victories, civilian casualties have increased, and both sides face ongoing scrutiny regarding human rights violations.
The Sudanese military’s recapture of the presidential palace in Khartoum represents a critical turning point in the ongoing conflict with the RSF. This development underscores the precarious situation in Sudan, with rising humanitarian issues as a backdrop to the military’s gains. The conflict has inflicted significant casualties and has raised severe concerns regarding human rights abuses on both sides, emphasizing the need for continued international attention and intervention.
Original Source: www.france24.com
