Sudan’s Military Recaptures Republican Palace in Khartoum

Sudan’s military has retaken the Republican Palace in Khartoum, a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict with rival forces. This victory reflects the military’s gains under Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, despite the continuing humanitarian crisis and violence across the region. The Republican Palace’s capture symbolizes both military success and the profound turmoil Sudan faces.

On Friday, the Sudanese military announced that it has successfully retaken the Republican Palace in Khartoum, marking a significant development after nearly two years of conflict. The declaration was made through social media videos, showing soldiers inside the palace on the 21st day of Ramadan. A military officer confirmed their presence within the compound, with visuals portraying soldiers amidst debris and chanting their rallying cries.

Khaled al-Aiser, Sudan’s information minister, praised the military’s achievement via the social platform X, stating, “Today the flag is raised, the palace is back and the journey continues until victory is complete.”

The capture of the Republican Palace, situated along the Nile and symbolic of Sudan’s governance, demonstrates the military’s ongoing territorial gains, especially under the leadership of Army Chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan. This development indicates a significant expulsion of the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) under Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo from the capital, Khartoum, which has been the scene of escalating violence since the conflict began in April 2023.

Although sporadic gunfire persisted across Khartoum on the day of the military’s announcement, it remains unclear whether these sounds were indicative of ongoing conflict or celebratory in nature. The RSF has not yet acknowledged the loss of the palace, and recent reports indicate that they continue to hold territories in other regions of Sudan, including claims of control over the strategic city of al-Maliha in North Darfur.

The ongoing fighting throughout Sudan has resulted in over 28,000 deaths and has forced millions to leave their homes. The humanitarian situation has deteriorated, leading to dire conditions, with reports of families resorting to eating grass to survive as famine takes hold in certain areas. The Republican Palace has historical significance, having served as a governmental hub during both British colonization and the early years of Sudanese independence.

Sudan has faced persistent instability since the removal of long-time president Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The attempted transition to democracy was interrupted by a military coup led by Burhan and Dagalo in 2021, subsequently igniting violent conflicts between the military forces and the RSF in 2023. As casualties among civilians escalate, accusations of human rights violations have arisen against both factions, with the RSF facing allegations of genocide and targeting ethnic groups, claims that both the military and RSF have denied.

The recapture of the Republican Palace by Sudan’s military signifies a critical moment in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the military’s strategic advancements against rival paramilitary forces. Despite the progress in Khartoum, the broader humanitarian crisis continues, compounded by increasing violence and territorial disputes across Sudan. Historical ties to the Republican Palace further emphasize the depth of the conflict, as the nation grapples with a turbulent past and uncertain future.

Original Source: www.haltonhillstoday.ca