Sudan’s Military Retakes Republican Palace Amid Ongoing Conflict

Sudan’s military retook the Republican Palace in Khartoum from rival paramilitary forces, marking a significant victory after nearly two years of conflict. Information Minister Khaled al-Aiser announced the reclaiming of the palace, which has strategic and symbolic importance. The conflict continues to cause severe humanitarian issues, with thousands dead and millions displaced, as both sides face allegations of human rights abuses.

On Friday, Sudan’s military announced the retaking of the Republican Palace in Khartoum, marking the end of nearly two years of fierce fighting against rival paramilitary forces in the region. Social media footage depicted soldiers celebrating inside the palace on the 21st day of Ramadan, which aligns with the announcement made by a military captain confirming their control of the compound. Visual evidence suggested the palace was partly damaged, with soldiers expressing their triumph with chants praising God.

Khaled al-Aiser, the Sudanese information minister, confirmed the military’s success through a post on the social media platform X, stating, “Today the flag is raised, the palace is back and the journey continues until victory is complete.”

The palace’s fall represents both a symbolic and strategic victory for the Sudanese military, as it signifies the successful expulsion of the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from Khartoum. These forces, led by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, have faced significant advances from army chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan’s forces in recent months. However, sporadic gunfire was reported in the capital, leaving the nature of the conflict unclear.

While the RSF has not officially acknowledged the loss of the palace, analysts indicate that this will not cease hostilities, as they maintain control over other territories in Sudan. Recently, the RSF declared their capture of al-Maliha, a strategic city in North Darfur. The Sudanese military has acknowledged clashes in the vicinity but has not confirmed any loss of territory.

The ongoing conflict has led to dire humanitarian consequences, with reports estimating over 28,000 fatalities and millions displaced, as famine worsens across the region. Historically, the Republican Palace has been a site of political significance for Sudan, having served as the headquarters for the government during British colonization and the rise of independent Sudan in 1956.

Since the ousting of long-term president Omar al-Bashir in 2019, Sudan has experienced instability, including a military coup in 2021 leading to the current conflict between the military and the RSF. Despite advances made by Burhan’s forces, the alarming number of civilian casualties continues to rise. Both parties are facing accusations of human rights violations throughout the conflict, with international figures emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

In summary, the Sudanese military’s recapture of the Republican Palace marks a pivotal development in the ongoing conflict between the military and the RSF. As fighting persists, the grave humanitarian consequences cannot be overlooked. The dynamics of power remain complex, with both sides entangled in allegations of human rights abuses amid a desperate humanitarian crisis. The situation continues to evolve, demanding international attention and intervention.

Original Source: www.haltonhillstoday.ca