The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum from the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This marks a pivotal moment in the conflict, which has ravaged the country for nearly two years. Witnesses reported explosions from drone attacks and air strikes near the Republican Palace on Thursday, signaling intense fighting as the army advanced. Social media footage verified by the BBC showed jubilant SAF soldiers celebrating their victory, waving guns, cheering, and kneeling in prayer.
The recapture of the presidential palace is a symbolic and strategic win for the SAF, which was driven out of Khartoum by the RSF at the start of the war in April 2023. Since then, the RSF has controlled most of the capital and large parts of western Sudan. Reclaiming Khartoum could shift the balance of power in the conflict, as the SAF has also made gains in central Sudan in recent weeks. However, the RSF, led by commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), has vowed to defend its positions and continue fighting. In a video statement on Saturday, Hemedti threatened further attacks in northern cities, underscoring the group’s determination to retain control of strategic areas.
The conflict, which began as a power struggle between the SAF and RSF, has spiraled into a devastating humanitarian crisis. The United Nations has described it as the world’s largest humanitarian emergency, with millions displaced, widespread hunger, and allegations of human rights abuses by both sides. Numerous peace efforts have collapsed as neither side is willing to compromise, prolonging the suffering of civilians.
The recapture of the presidential palace offers a glimmer of hope for the SAF, but the war is far from over. The RSF remains a formidable force, and the fighting shows no signs of abating. For Sudan’s civilians, the conflict continues to bring unimaginable hardship, with no end in sight. The international community has called for renewed peace efforts, but until both sides commit to dialogue, the violence and suffering will persist. The battle for Khartoum is a microcosm of the broader struggle for control of Sudan, a nation teetering on the brink of collapse.
