Sudan's Military Claims Control Over Khartoum After Prolonged Conflict

In a significant development in Sudan's ongoing civil war, the military has announced the recapture of the capital city, Khartoum, nearly two years after the conflict began. This assertion was made by the Sudanese leader, who celebrated the achievement surrounded by military personnel.

The situation in Khartoum has been tumultuous, with reports indicating that the military gradually regained control over various areas of the city. Although the military's claims about full control have not been independently verified, a representative from the opposing paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), acknowledged that they had lost critical strongholds including the presidential palace and the airport. Eyewitness accounts and reports suggest that many RSF fighters have fled the city amid the military's advances.

Despite this apparent victory, the RSF continues to hold significant territories in the western regions of Sudan. Recently, a deadly airstrike targeting RSF-controlled areas in North Darfur reportedly resulted in numerous civilian casualties, raising concerns about the ongoing violence. Satellite imagery has corroborated allegations made by local groups regarding military operations targeting civilian infrastructure.

The RSF, led by former Vice President Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, initiated their uprising against the Sudanese government in April 2023. Their actions resulted in the occupation of substantial portions of Khartoum, including the city center, and they have been accused of committing various human rights violations, including looting and assaults. In response to the escalating violence, the Sudanese government retreated to Port Sudan along the Red Sea.

However, the end of the conflict does not seem imminent. The RSF is reportedly working to establish an alternative governance structure in areas under their control. Experts and diplomats suspect that the RSF is receiving backing from the United Arab Emirates, allegedly utilizing the territory of neighboring Chad for logistical support, although both countries deny these claims.

The protracted power struggle in Sudan, which has a population of approximately 46 million, has led to what the United Nations describes as one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. According to UN estimates, over 12.9 million individuals have been displaced due to the violence. While precise casualty figures remain elusive, estimates suggest that between 60,000 and 150,000 people have died as a result of the conflict, either from direct violence or from the ensuing famine and diseases.