The withdrawal of paramilitary fighters from the Sudanese capital of Khartoum signifies a major shift in the civil conflict. The Sudanese military has claimed control over critical areas, including the airport and presidential palace, as it forces the Rapid Support Forces towards their stronghold in Darfur.
Turning Tide in Sudan's Civil War: Military Takes Control of Capital
Turning Tide in Sudan's Civil War: Military Takes Control of Capital
In a significant development, Sudan's army has captured Khartoum, marking a pivotal moment in the prolonged civil war against the Rapid Support Forces.
Sudanese army troops made noteworthy advances in central Khartoum on Wednesday, forcing a mass withdrawal of fighters from the rival Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.) after nearly two years of brutal conflict. This pivotal shift indicates a potential turning point in what has escalated into Africa's largest armed conflict.
On Tuesday, military surveillance drones captured footage of R.S.F. combatants retreating across a dam on the Nile south of the capital. As per Brig. Gen. Nabil Abdullah, spokesperson for the military, the forces are expected to consolidate in their stronghold of Darfur, signaling the end of their influence in Khartoum. "The remaining groups in the city are few and will soon be eliminated," he asserted.
This change follows the army's takeover of crucial sites, including the presidential palace, a significant stronghold that has altered the dynamics of the ongoing war. Reports suggest that conflict operations have resulted in approximately 150,000 fatalities and displaced more than 13 million, creating what the UN describes as the largest displacement crisis worldwide. As crowds in Kalakla celebrated the military's emergence, stories of civilian suffering abound, highlighting the grim realities of fleeing violence, starvation, and sexual assaults.
Despite the optimism among civilians, sporadic skirmishes persist, particularly in areas of Omdurman, indicating that resistance endures. Witnesses recounted scenes of jubilation, but the fight is not over, as remnants of R.S.F. forces remain entrenched, clashing with advancing military units. As the army lays claim to strategic locations, including the international airport littered with derelict aircraft, the situation continues to evolve rapidly.
This article was reported by Declan Walsh, who covers African news from Nairobi, and has a background in Middle Eastern conflicts.
On Tuesday, military surveillance drones captured footage of R.S.F. combatants retreating across a dam on the Nile south of the capital. As per Brig. Gen. Nabil Abdullah, spokesperson for the military, the forces are expected to consolidate in their stronghold of Darfur, signaling the end of their influence in Khartoum. "The remaining groups in the city are few and will soon be eliminated," he asserted.
This change follows the army's takeover of crucial sites, including the presidential palace, a significant stronghold that has altered the dynamics of the ongoing war. Reports suggest that conflict operations have resulted in approximately 150,000 fatalities and displaced more than 13 million, creating what the UN describes as the largest displacement crisis worldwide. As crowds in Kalakla celebrated the military's emergence, stories of civilian suffering abound, highlighting the grim realities of fleeing violence, starvation, and sexual assaults.
Despite the optimism among civilians, sporadic skirmishes persist, particularly in areas of Omdurman, indicating that resistance endures. Witnesses recounted scenes of jubilation, but the fight is not over, as remnants of R.S.F. forces remain entrenched, clashing with advancing military units. As the army lays claim to strategic locations, including the international airport littered with derelict aircraft, the situation continues to evolve rapidly.
This article was reported by Declan Walsh, who covers African news from Nairobi, and has a background in Middle Eastern conflicts.
