Sudan’s Military Recaptures Khartoum’s Republican Palace Amid Ongoing Conflict

Sudan’s military has recaptured the Republican Palace in Khartoum from rival paramilitary forces after nearly two years of fighting, marking a significant victory. Despite this, sporadic gunfire indicates continued conflict in the capital, and the humanitarian crisis remains severe, with over 28,000 deaths reported. Allegations of human rights abuses persist against both military factions amidst ongoing violence.

Sudan’s military has announced the retaking of the Republican Palace in Khartoum, ending rival paramilitary control in the area after nearly two years of conflict. Footage shared on social media demonstrated soldiers within the palace, confirmed to be on the 21st day of Ramadan. A military official identified the compound’s condition as partly destroyed, noting the sounds of soldiers celebrating amidst the rubble.

Khaled al-Aiser, Sudan’s information minister, highlighted the military triumph by declaring on a social media platform that the flag was raised once more at the palace, marking a significant achievement in the ongoing conflict led by army chief Gen Abdel-Fattah Burhan. This development signifies another gain for the military over the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF), primarily expelled from Khartoum since fighting began in April 2023.

Despite the loss of the palace, sporadic gunfire persisted across the capital, indicating continued conflict or possible celebratory responses. The RSF did not immediately comment on their defeat and continues to hold other strategic locations within Sudan, including their recent claim of capturing the city of al-Maliha in North Darfur, which was acknowledged by the military amid ongoing skirmishes.

The humanitarian crisis spurred by the ongoing violence has been severe, with reports indicating over 28,000 fatalities and millions displaced, resulting in desperate survival measures among families. With reports of famine affecting parts of Sudan, the United Nations has termed this situation the largest humanitarian crisis globally.

The Republican Palace has historical significance, having served as the seat of power during British colonization and the first independent Sudanese flag’s inauguration in 1956. The military has consistently targeted this site to reclaim control, which has been a stronghold since the coup that unsettled Sudan’s short-lived democratic transition in 2021. Recent actions have also led to increased civilian casualties and heightened allegations of human rights abuses against both the military and RSF, with accusations extending to genocidal activities during prior conflicts in Darfur.

The recent recapture of Khartoum’s Republican Palace by Sudan’s military underscores a pivotal development in the ongoing conflict with the RSF. The palace’s historical and strategic importance marks a symbolic victory for the military, yet the enduring humanitarian crisis remains dire, with significant loss of life, displacement, and allegations of human rights violations. The situation calls for urgent international attention and humanitarian assistance as fighting continues across the region.

Original Source: www.irishnews.com