The Sudanese army has taken full control of the presidential palace in Khartoum, marking a significant gain in its two-year-old conflict with rival armed group Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The move is seen as a symbolic victory for the army, but the RSF says the battle is not over.
The RSF had consolidated control in the west and set up a parallel government in areas it controls. However, the army’s takeover of the palace has hardened its stance against the RSF.
The conflict has led to what the UN calls the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with widespread famine and disease across the country. Both sides have been accused of war crimes, but they deny the charges.
As the situation remains volatile, intermittent gunfire was heard in Khartoum on Friday, and bloody fighting is expected as the army seeks to corner the RSF. The RSF leader has instructed troops to maintain control at the palace, but its foothold there appears tenuous.
The war erupted two years ago as the country planned a transition to democratic rule. The conflict has pitted the army against the RSF, with the latter having roots in Darfur’s janjaweed militias.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sudanese-army-enters-presidential-palace-khartoum-eastern-side-military-sources-2025-03-21