Sudanese Army Regains Control of Presidential Palace Amid Ongoing Conflict
The Sudanese Armed Forces have seized control of the Republican Palace in Khartoum after a two-year civil war, indicating a significant military gain. This change may lead to a de facto partition of Sudan between military and RSF territories, amidst a worsening humanitarian crisis affecting millions. The ongoing conflict continues to raise severe concerns regarding human rights abuses and the future political landscape of Sudan.
The Sudanese Armed Forces have regained control of the Republican Palace in Khartoum, marking a pivotal moment after two years of civil conflict. This palace previously functioned as the government’s main office until the onset of civil war in April 2023. Soldiers were observed celebrating within the palace grounds, and an official announcement confirmed military presence in the compound, signifying a major advancement against the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The Republican Palace, located centrally along the Nile River and surrounded by key government ministries, holds historical significance, having served as a power center since British colonization and the declaration of independence in 1956. Although the military’s control represents a symbolic victory, it does not guarantee an immediate cessation of hostilities. The site exhibited considerable damage, including shattered tiles and visible signs of prior combat.
Brigadier General Nabil Abdullah confirmed the military holds the palace along with adjacent ministry buildings, amidst sporadic gunfire echoing throughout Khartoum. Suleiman Sandal, a politician linked to the RSF, acknowledged the seizure but insisted that RSF forces continue to operate in the vicinity. Although the victory in Khartoum seems to expel most RSF troops from the city, they maintain influence over western Sudan, particularly the Darfur region.
The recent developments may effectively bifurcate Sudan into territories governed by the military and RSF, unraveling the cohesion among military factions. The nation currently endures a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, displacing an estimated 14 million individuals, with varying death tolls since the war’s beginning. The conflict has exacerbated existing challenges dating back over two decades of instability.
UNICEF’s Catherine Russell has reported that nearly 30 million Sudanese, including over half being children, require humanitarian assistance this year. Concerns regarding civilian suffering were outlined by Christopher Lockyear of Doctors Without Borders, emphasizing abuses perpetrated by both factions.
The RSF, led by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, faces accusations of severe atrocities, including those classified as genocide by the United States. Previous allies General Dagalo and General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, who were to transition Sudan towards democracy post-uprising, have instead contributed to the ongoing violence. As both factions contemplate establishing rival governments, Sudan’s potential partition appears increasingly likely.
In conclusion, the recapture of the Republican Palace by the Sudanese Armed Forces marks a crucial shift in the ongoing civil war, but it also prompts potential territorial divisions within Sudan. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with millions in need of aid. Both military factions have faced allegations of severe abuses, complicating the prospect of a peaceful resolution. As the conflict evolves, the establishment of rival administrations could further entrench Sudan’s division and prolong the suffering of its citizens.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
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