Sudan’s Army Retakes Presidential Palace, Challenges RSF Control

The Sudanese army has regained the presidential palace in Khartoum, marking a pivotal victory against the RSF in the ongoing civil conflict. While celebrations fill the capital, concerns arise over potential territorial fragmentation and escalating violence as both factions reject peace negotiations. The humanitarian crisis intensifies as conflict continues.

The Sudanese army has successfully regained control of the presidential palace in Khartoum, delivering a significant setback to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This operation marks a pivotal moment for the army, which has been engaged in a concerted counteroffensive against the RSF since September 2022. Celebrations erupted across the nation following this noteworthy victory, which symbolizes the army’s resurgence in the ongoing civil conflict that initiated in April 2023.

While the RSF retains influence in pockets of southern Khartoum, it has largely lost control of the capital. The resurgence of the army comes shortly after a video was released by RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, urging his troops to maintain their grip on the presidential palace. Despite the ongoing violence, many civilians are reportedly viewing the army as liberators, even amidst allegations of human rights violations committed by army-associated militias in the vacuum left by RSF retreats.

The RSF has a notorious record of human rights abuses, including detaining over 10,000 individuals in Khartoum since the onset of the conflict, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Citizens have expressed relief at the army’s arrival in their neighborhoods, citing improved safety.

However, the broader implications of the army’s success bring concerns of a potential fragmentation of Sudan, as analysts suggest an increasing likelihood of a division similar to that seen in Libya. The RSF, securing a parallel governance structure, maintains control over significant territories in Darfur, including the strategic city of al-Maliha, posing challenges to army dominance in the region. Given this context, experts warn of an advancing territorial bifurcation that undermines national unity.

The Sudanese army has thus far declined to pursue peace negotiations with the RSF, indicating intentions to reclaim full control of the nation. Contrarily, the RSF has used diplomatic overtures to mask its military ambitions, while both factions have recently committed to ongoing conflict. With sophisticated weaponry inflowing, there are heightened concerns about escalated clashes, particularly in key regions such as Kordofan and Darfur. As the situation escalates further, Sudan faces the risk of deepening turmoil amid one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent history, resulting in widespread suffering and substantial casualties.

In conclusion, the Sudanese army’s recapture of the presidential palace signifies a critical moment in the ongoing conflict against the RSF, marking a symbolic victory. However, this success raises concerns over a potential partition of the country, as the RSF maintains control over significant regions. The refusal from both factions to engage in peace discussions underscores the likelihood of further escalation, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com