Sudan Military Regains Control of Republican Palace Amid Ongoing Conflict

Sudan’s military has retaken the Republican Palace in Khartoum from rival paramilitary forces, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict. With social media confirmation and visible military presence, the palace’s fall signifies strategic gains for General Abdel-Fattah Burhan’s forces, amid severe humanitarian repercussions resulting from the war.

Sudan’s military announced on Friday that it has regained control of the Republican Palace in Khartoum, a stronghold for rival paramilitary forces, after nearly two years of conflict. Social media footage depicted military personnel inside the complex, confirming that soldiers were present on the 21st day of Ramadan. The scene showed soldiers amidst ruins chanting, reinforcing their commitment to the military effort.

Khaled al-Aiser, the information minister, confirmed the retaking of the palace via a post on X, stating, “Today the flag is raised, the palace is back and the journey continues until victory is complete.” The Republican Palace, located along the Nile, had historical significance as the seat of government before the onset of war and is featured on Sudanese currency.

The fall of the palace signifies a crucial strategic advancement for the Sudanese military under General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, expelling the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo from Khartoum, where sporadic gunfire continued amidst the ongoing conflict. The RSF has not publicly acknowledged their loss; however, they have claimed control over al-Maliha, a strategic city in North Darfur.

The ongoing conflict has led to catastrophic humanitarian repercussions, including over 28,000 fatalities and a severe displacement crisis prompting families to resort to extreme measures such as consuming grass for survival. The Republican Palace, once a symbol of power, has been a focus of military attacks throughout the conflict, with targeted shelling commonplace.

Sudan has experienced turmoil since the 2019 removal of President Omar al-Bashir, followed by a military coup in 2021 led by Burhan and Dagalo. Since early 2023, clashes between the army and RSF have persisted, exacerbating civilian suffering and leading to increasing casualties. Previous allegations against the RSF regarding human rights abuses continue, as both factions face criticism over their conduct during the war.

In summary, the Sudanese military’s recapture of the Republican Palace marks a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict with the RSF in Khartoum. This development not only has strategic implications but also symbolizes the military’s advances since the onset of the war in April 2023. The situation remains dire, with humanitarian crises escalating, highlighting the urgent need for international attention and intervention.

Original Source: www.haltonhillstoday.ca