In a significant development in Sudan’s two-year civil war, the Sudanese Army (SAF) has successfully regained control of Khartoum, the capital, from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The SAF’s victory marks a key moment in the brutal power struggle between Sudan’s two most powerful military factions, but experts caution that the conflict is far from over.
Key Takeaways:
- The Sudanese Army has retaken Khartoum, including vital locations such as the Presidential Palace and the city’s airport, which had been under RSF control.
- Despite the military’s recent success, the RSF remains deeply embedded in Darfur, and analysts predict that the conflict may shift to this region.
- The fighting has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with over 28,000 deaths and millions displaced.
The Power Struggle: SAF vs. RSF
The current conflict began in April 2023 when General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo of the RSF clashed over control of the country after the fall of long-time president Omar al-Bashir. Since then, the power struggle has devastated Sudan, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Ongoing Violence and Civilian Impact
Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. In North Darfur, hundreds were killed in airstrikes on a market in Tora, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
The RSF, which traces its origins to the notorious Janjaweed militia accused of war crimes in the Darfur region, has maintained control over large swaths of Sudan, including Darfur, where it is pushing for the creation of a parallel government.
The Path Forward: A Divided Sudan?
While the SAF’s recapture of Khartoum represents a military victory, Sudanese experts suggest that the war may only intensify. The RSF’s presence in Darfur remains a critical challenge, and analysts warn that the ongoing conflict may lead to further fragmentation of the country. Negotiations have stalled in the past, and the possibility of a lasting peace settlement remains uncertain.
In the meantime, the Sudanese military appears poised to continue its offensive, with no signs of retreat. As the war progresses, the humanitarian situation is likely to worsen, with millions more at risk of displacement and death.
- Source: CNN
