Khartoum: The Sudanese army is reportedly close to seizing the Presidential Palace in Khartoum from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to state media. This marks a significant shift in the ongoing two-year conflict that has put Sudan at risk of further fragmentation.
The RSF initially took control of the palace and much of the capital when fighting erupted in April 2023. However, recent months have seen the Sudanese Armed Forces regain ground, steadily advancing along the River Nile toward the palace.
Despite these developments, the RSF remains in control of parts of Khartoum, neighboring Omdurman, and western Sudan. The group continues its offensive in Darfur, particularly in al-Fashir, the army's last major stronghold in the region. Should the army fully reclaim central Sudan, the country could see a deepening east-west division between the warring factions.
Both sides have pledged to continue fighting, with no peace negotiations in sight. The conflict, which erupted due to a power struggle over Sudan’s transition to civilian rule, has led to what the United Nations describes as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Widespread famine and disease have gripped the nation, and both sides have faced accusations of war crimes, with the RSF also accused of genocide—allegations both groups deny.
For weeks, intense clashes have surrounded the Presidential Palace, with RSF forces deploying snipers to defend their position. The RSF leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has ordered his troops to hold their ground. Overnight, heavy airstrikes and drone attacks by the army targeted central Khartoum, witnesses reported. While the army holds an advantage in air power, the RSF has demonstrated growing drone capabilities.
Meanwhile, the RSF claims to be advancing toward the Army General Command in central Khartoum, launching attacks from the southern part of the city. Many displaced residents in central Sudan have welcomed the army’s recent gains, as the RSF has been widely accused of looting, killings, and illegally occupying homes—allegations it denies, insisting that any wrongdoing by its members will be prosecuted.
Despite the shifting battle lines, the conflict continues to bring suffering. While some displaced people have returned to their homes, concerns remain about reports of looting by some soldiers in Omdurman, though the military denies involvement in such incidents.
