The Sudanese military has made significant advances in Khartoum, leading to the withdrawal of the Rapid Support Forces, indicating a crucial shift in the civil war that has ravaged the nation. As fighting continues to claim lives and displace millions, the capture of strategic areas like the presidential palace reflects ongoing turmoil.
Major Shift in Sudan’s Civil War as Paramilitary Forces Retreat from Khartoum
Major Shift in Sudan’s Civil War as Paramilitary Forces Retreat from Khartoum
With the Sudanese military gaining control in Khartoum, a turning point in the ongoing civil war emerges as Rapid Support Forces withdraw towards Darfur.
Paramilitary fighters associated with Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.) initiated a mass withdrawal from the capital city of Khartoum recently, marking a pivotal moment in what has turned into one of Africa's largest ongoing conflicts. This retreat comes after nearly two years of violent uprising between the R.S.F. and the Sudanese military, culminating in significant territorial gains for the military in central Khartoum.
A large number of R.S.F. members were spotted fleeing towards their stronghold in Darfur, a shift reportedly evidenced in surveillance drone footage that captured hundreds of fighters crossing a vital dam on the Nile. Sudanese military spokesman Brig. Gen. Nabil Abdullah confirmed their success, stating, “This was their last remaining camp in Khartoum,” as they worked to eradicate remaining pockets of R.S.F. resistance.
The clash commenced two years ago over disputes regarding the integration of paramilitary troops into the formal military structure, leading to widespread chaos that has resulted in catastrophic loss of life and massive displacement, with estimates indicating that upwards of 150,000 lives have been lost and over 13 million displaced.
Recent videos circulating on social media depicted civilians celebrating as Sudanese forces took control of the city, reflecting a complex social dynamic as Khartoum residents welcome military forces while reacting to the ongoing suffering caused by years of conflict. As the army continues its advance southward through Khartoum, celebrations erupted in neighborhoods like Kalakla, as citizens hailed the military's presence.
Despite the visible withdrawal, clashes persist in some isolated areas of the city between remaining R.S.F. fighters and the advancing military. Reports indicated continued explosions and gunfire, highlighting resistance from R.S.F. remnants as they seek refuge. Reports further declare military control over the international airport, a strategic point blanketed by wreckage since the war's onset in April 2023.
As military forces capitalize on their recent victories, including the strategic capture of the presidential palace, the prospect of resolution remains elusive. With remaining R.S.F. fighters likely regrouping in the more remote western territories of Omdurman and Darfur, the conflict’s next phase remains deeply uncertain, with the humanitarian toll continuing to rise amidst an ongoing struggle for power between entrenched military factions.
