Sudanese Army Approaches Control of Presidential Palace Amid Ongoing Conflict

Sudan’s state TV reports the army is nearing capture of the Presidential Palace from the RSF, indicating a crucial shift in the two-year conflict. Heavy clashes and airstrikes were reported near the palace as the army gains ground over the RSF. The ongoing war has sparked the largest humanitarian crisis, with both military factions accused of human rights violations.

Sudan’s state television reported on Thursday that the national army is nearing the capture of the Presidential Palace in Khartoum, previously held by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This development indicates a pivotal moment in a conflict that has lasted for two years and poses a risk of further division within the nation.

On Wednesday evening, intense clashes occurred near the palace, accompanied by audible explosions and airstrikes carried out by the army in central Khartoum, as noted by witnesses and military insiders. Such violence marks a consolidation of military efforts by the army against the RSF.

Over the course of nearly two years, the RSF has established control over much of western Sudan and parts of Khartoum. However, recent military actions have seen the RSF losing significant territory in central Sudan to the advancing army.

The conflict between these military factions initiated with a coup in 2021, hindering the progress towards a civilian governance transition. Hostilities escalated in April 2023 in response to proposed plans for a new transition, leading to violent clashes.

The ongoing warfare has resulted in what the United Nations describes as the largest humanitarian crisis globally, with both the RSF and the army facing allegations of widespread human rights violations.

In summary, the Sudanese army’s imminent takeover of the Presidential Palace from the RSF marks a critical juncture in the enduring conflict, which has compounded the humanitarian crisis affecting the region. The ongoing violence, instigated by previous power struggles, underscores the complex dynamic between military factions and their impact on civilian life. The international community continues to monitor the situation as it unfolds, urging a resolution to alleviate the humanitarian challenges faced by the Sudanese populace.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com