Khartoum Changes Hands: A New Chapter in Sudan’s Civil War

The Sudanese Armed Forces have regained control of Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces, marking a significant turning point in the civil war. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s return to the capital symbolizes a potential escalation of military efforts into regions like Darfur.

On March 15, Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo urged his troops of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) not to surrender or retreat. However, the situation changed swiftly, as within days the RSF lost control of key locations, including the presidential palace in Khartoum, to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). By March 26, the SAF had regained control of the central bank and international airport, marking a significant shift in power within the capital.

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the army and de facto president since the 2019 coup, returned to Khartoum for the first time in two years. Accompanied by supportive troops, he declared the city “free,” following the retreat of exhausted RSF fighters westward. This development may signal a new phase in Sudan’s ongoing civil war, potentially leading the national army to advance into the Darfur region.

The transition of power in Khartoum indicates a pivotal moment in Sudan’s civil conflict, with the SAF successfully reclaiming critical government control from the RSF. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s return strengthens the army’s position, possibly setting the stage for further military actions in Darfur. This pivotal moment highlights the volatile nature of Sudan’s political landscape amidst ongoing violence.

Original Source: www.economist.com