Sudan's Military Claims Control Over Khartoum as Army Leader Visits Presidential Palace

In a significant turn of events, Sudan's military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has announced the full control of Khartoum following the army's recent military achievements, which included the recapture of the presidential palace. This event marks Burhan's first return to the stronghold since the onset of a protracted conflict nearly two years ago. Burhan declared the city "free" from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), stating, “Khartoum is free, it’s done.”

The army has swiftly moved to secure vital military and state infrastructure, managing to reclaim the airport and multiple bridges linking the key cities of Greater Khartoum. Reports indicate that the RSF may be retreating southward, as residents celebrate the army's reclaiming of territory and react to the RSF's alleged retreat. However, throughout this conflict, Sudan has witnessed staggering humanitarian crises, with numerous casualties and widespread displacement.

The UN has reported deteriorating conditions in regions such as Khartoum, where thwarted access to aid has resulted in famine-like situations. Notably, both the RSF and the army have faced criticism for human rights violations, and international peace efforts are struggling amid a complex web of foreign support fueling the conflict. Although the army’s reclaiming of Khartoum could provide a strategic edge in the ongoing war, the RSF retains significant control over the Darfur region, underscoring that the conflict is far from resolution.