The Sudanese military has successfully recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, according to military sources. Social media has been filled with videos and images, verified by the BBC, of jubilant soldiers celebrating their victory by waving their guns and praying. This development marks a significant opportunity for the army to regain control of the capital, which they lost two years ago to their paramilitary rivals.

The Rapid Support Forces have yet to respond to these events. The capital of Khartoum holds great significance as the starting point and battleground of the ongoing brutal civil war in Sudan. The Rapid Support Forces have been in control of most of the capital and western Sudan since the conflict began. The army’s potential takeover of Khartoum would be a major triumph and turn the tide of the war. In recent weeks, the army has also made other territorial gains in central Sudan.

Explosions were reported in the vicinity of the Republican Palace on Thursday, resulting from drone attacks and airstrikes. In a video statement made on Saturday, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, declared his intention to defend the presidential palace and surrounding areas currently occupied by his paramilitary group. He also warned of further attacks on several northern cities.

Negotiations for peace continue to fail, as both rival forces remain committed to fighting for control of these strategic locations. The conflict has led to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, according to the UN, with both the RSF and the army accused of committing widespread human rights abuses. Wycliffe Muia contributed to this report.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crmj0x8jr3wo