The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have reclaimed the Presidential Palace in Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in a major offensive aimed at regaining control of the capital. The development marks a significant shift in the nearly two-year-long conflict between the two rival factions.
According to military sources, the SAF launched a coordinated assault on RSF positions in central Khartoum, eventually forcing rebel fighters to retreat from the palace. While the army has declared victory in this battle, the RSF has yet to confirm the loss, and heavy fighting continues in other parts of the capital.
The ongoing war, which erupted in April 2023 following a power struggle between the military leadership and the RSF, has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. More than 12 million people have been displaced, and large parts of Sudan, particularly the Darfur region, remain under RSF control. The conflict has also exacerbated famine conditions, with millions at risk of starvation.
Both the SAF and RSF have been accused of war crimes, including mass killings and targeting civilians. The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has faced allegations of genocide in Darfur, while the military has also been implicated in human rights abuses.
The recapture of the Presidential Palace is being seen as a crucial victory for the Sudanese army, potentially signaling a turning point in the fight for control of Khartoum. However, with ongoing clashes and no immediate signs of a ceasefire, the battle for Sudan’s capital remains far from over.
International organizations and foreign governments continue to call for an end to hostilities, urging both parties to engage in diplomatic negotiations to prevent further bloodshed.
