Sudan’s Army Reclaims Presidential Palace In Major Victory Over RSF

Sudan’s army has reclaimed the Presidential Palace in Khartoum, marking a significant victory over the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful militia that has controlled large parts of the war-torn country.

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF have been locked in a brutal battle for territory since fighting erupted in April 2023. The conflict has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, leaving over 28,000 people dead and forcing 11 million others to flee their homes, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Initiative.

Since the start of the war, the RSF has held key areas of Khartoum, including the Presidential Palace. But on Friday, the Sudanese government announced that its forces had seized control of the palace and vowed to push forward in their campaign to reclaim the capital.

“Today the flag is raised, the palace is back, and the journey continues until victory is complete,” Sudan’s Information Minister Khalid Al-Aiser declared on X.

The Sudanese Justice Ministry hailed the “liberation of the Republican Palace,” calling it “a symbol of national sovereignty.”

A Major Turning Point

Activist Hala Al-Karib told CNN that the recapture of the palace was a critical moment for both the military and the Sudanese people displaced by the conflict.

“It is quite significant for the SAF and central and north Sudanese internally displaced persons (IDPs) hoping to return,” Al-Karib said. However, she noted that questions remain about Sudan’s political future and whether the SAF would engage in a political process with the RSF and other actors or continue the war.

Photos of government troops celebrating at the palace circulated on social media. A military spokesperson announced that SAF forces had “completely destroyed the enemy’s personnel and equipment” and seized large quantities of weapons.

RSF Claims Fight Is Not Over

Despite the setback, the RSF insisted that the battle was far from over. In a Telegram post, the RSF said, “The battle for the Republican Palace is not over yet,” claiming that its forces were still positioned near the palace and had “carried out a swift military operation” that killed more than 89 SAF personnel and destroyed several military vehicles.

Local media reported that a drone strike hit the palace on Friday, killing an unknown number of soldiers and journalists from the state broadcaster.

Khartoum Still Divided

The fight for Khartoum remains ongoing. The RSF controls much of Sudan’s western, southern, and central regions, including Darfur, where ethnically motivated killings are common. The SAF controls the eastern and northern parts of the country.

Retaking Khartoum would be a symbolic victory for the SAF, whose rival, the RSF, has been working to establish a parallel government. However, the ongoing conflict continues to exact a heavy toll on civilians.

“Dozens of civilians, including local humanitarian volunteers, have been killed by artillery shelling and aerial bombardment by both the SAF and RSF in eastern Khartoum and north Omdurman since March 12,” said Seif Magango, a spokesperson for the United Nations Human Rights Office.

Accusations of War Crimes

Both sides have been accused of committing war crimes. In January, the United States accused the RSF of genocide — the second in Sudan in two decades.

A recent UNICEF report also implicated the SAF in atrocities, including sexual violence against children as young as one year old.

“Credible reports indicate that the RSF and allied militias have raided homes in eastern Khartoum, carrying out summary executions and arbitrary detentions, and looting food and medical supplies,” Magango added. “SAF and affiliated fighters have also been accused of looting and other criminal activities in Khartoum North (Bahri) and East Nile, with reports of widespread arbitrary arrests.”

Uncertain Future

While the recapture of the Presidential Palace is a significant strategic and symbolic win for the SAF, Sudan’s political future remains uncertain. Whether the military will seek a political resolution or continue down the path of conflict remains to be seen.