Sudanese Military Advances in Khartoum Amid Ongoing Civil War

The Sudanese military has made critical advancements in Khartoum, capturing key sites such as the presidential palace and Central Bank. This marks a significant change in the civil war’s dynamics, yet the conflict remains unresolved as tensions persist between the military and paramilitary fighters. The first Western journalists to report from central Khartoum highlight the devastation and the lack of hope for a swift end to the fighting.

Recent developments in Sudan have seen the military making substantial advances across the capital, Khartoum, as they endeavor to decisively change the dynamics of the ongoing civil war. In a historic visit, reporters and photographers from The New York Times became the first Western journalists to observe the city since the onset of conflict two years ago. This visit underscored the significant devastation that has taken place throughout the region.

On a recent Sunday, soldiers assembled at the now battle-scarred presidential palace, preparing for operations to eliminate remaining resistance from paramilitary fighters. With their weapons ready, they departed from the once-grand entrance of the palace in efforts to assert military dominance over the city following intense clashes.

The army’s recent acquisition of the presidential palace, marking a pivotal shift in the war, has led to the capture of key locations, including the Central Bank, the national intelligence service headquarters, and the Corinthia Hotel. These developments not only assert military control over central Khartoum but also signal a potential turning point amid the ongoing conflict.

During the visit to Khartoum, the reporters witnessed firsthand the stark changes brought about by the recent military operations. However, despite these advances, there is little optimism regarding the imminent resolution of the conflict. One officer remarked, “We will never leave our country to the mercenaries,” alluding to the paramilitary group, the R.S.F., highlighting the entrenched rivalry over power and control.

The situation in Khartoum reveals significant shifts in the ongoing civil war, especially following the military’s capture of strategic sites. Although there have been gains for the Sudanese military, the outlook remains grim as challenges continue to mount. The deep-seated rivalry between the military and paramilitary forces illustrates the complexity of the conflict, indicating that peace may still be a distant goal.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com