Sudan’s Army Regains Control of Presidential Palace Amid Ongoing Civil War
The ongoing civil war in Sudan has escalated as the military reclaims the Republican Palace amid fierce conflict with the RSF. With thousands dead and millions displaced, the humanitarian crisis worsens. RSF’s ambitions for autonomy threaten to further fracture the nation, while fleeting advancements by the military highlight the complex and unstable power dynamics at play.
The civil war in Sudan, which has persisted for almost two years, is currently at a critical juncture. This conflict has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and the displacement of millions, pushing the nation toward famine. Recently, the Sudanese military announced that it has regained control of Khartoum, including the Republican Palace, a significant symbol of political power. While this military advancement represents a pivotal moment, it simultaneously exacerbates the ongoing conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who maintain a strong influence despite their territorial losses.
The conflict began in April 2023, when military chief Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan and RSF leader Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, often referred to as Hemedti, turned against each other. This divide stalled the anticipated democratic transition following the removal of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Since this escalation, approximately 28,000 casualties and over 14 million displaced persons have been reported, with heavy fighting particularly in Khartoum and the Darfur region.
As of March 21, 2025, video footage from the Sudanese military exhibited soldiers celebrating the recapture of the presidential palace, emphasizing their claim of reclaiming national strength. According to Khalid al-Aleisir, Sudan’s information minister, “Today the flag is raised, the palace is back and the journey continues until victory is complete.” This statement signifies a potential shift in the power dynamics within the ongoing conflict, with military forces striving to consolidate power in Sudan’s capital.
Despite the military’s gains, the RSF remains assertive, particularly in western Sudan, where they retain considerable control. Their presence draws significant controversy and international attention, stemming from their roots in the Janjaweed militia notorious for their involvement in the Darfur genocide. The U.S. has sanctioned Dagalo, citing the atrocities committed against African ethnic groups, which the RSF staunchly denies.
In February 2025, the RSF signed a charter in Nairobi, Kenya, aiming to establish a parallel governance structure in Sudan, advocating for a “secular, democratic and decentralized state.” This document may instigate a partition within the nation, resulting in regions governed by either the military or the RSF, heightening concerns about the stability and unity of Sudan amidst diversity-driven autonomy claims.
As military forces extend their influence in Khartoum and encroach upon RSF-held areas, the prospects for civilians in conflict zones are alarming. The humanitarian crisis worsens daily, with countless individuals facing famine, particularly within the besieged largest refugee camp in Darfur. The continuing conflict places immense pressure on humanitarian efforts, further complicating aid delivery to those in urgent need.
Hemedti affirmed his commitment to continue fighting for the palace, declaring, “the battle is not over yet,” just hours after the military’s declaration of victory. This ongoing struggle highlights the precarious hold both factions have over their respective territories and the increasing likelihood of internal strife as allegiances shift.
Efforts toward reconciliation remain elusive, with both Burhan and Dagalo showcasing unwillingness to negotiate seriously. The RSF’s entrenched positions, including strategic areas like Khartoum International Airport, grant them vital resources necessary to maintain their campaign against the military.
The current conflict phase is anticipated to escalate humanitarian costs, as combat operations unfold in urban areas populated by civilians. Active combat results in significant casualties, with human suffering becoming a daily focus amidst claims of military success.
Despite ongoing calls for ceasefire, instability prevails, obstructing effective humanitarian assistance efforts. Each military achievement appears matched by RSF responses elsewhere, perpetuating a cycle of violence. Observers highlight the complex moral implications surrounding the humanitarian crisis as military interests overshadow urgent civilian needs.
In this turbulent geopolitical context, the struggles of Sudanese citizens intertwine with political power grabs, creating a landscape rife with challenges. The long-term consequences of prolonged conflict raise significant concerns about community trust and the sociopolitical fabric of Sudan and its neighbors.
As the battle for autonomy and governance continues, uncertainty looms regarding the nation’s future. The dynamics between the factions suggest a critical moment, where the path taken could spell either hope for stability or further turmoil for Sudan amidst a volatile international landscape.
In conclusion, the situation in Sudan remains dire, characterized by ongoing civil conflict, significant humanitarian crises, and complex power dynamics between the military and the RSF. With the military claiming control over key territories and the RSF continuing to assert its power, the nation grapples with a precarious balance between potential resolution and escalating violence. As international observers focus on the implications for the civilian population, the future of Sudan rests on the ability of its factions to navigate this turbulent moment effectively.
Original Source: evrimagaci.org
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