Sudan’s military has taken control of several key buildings in central Khartoum, including the central bank, following its recapture of the presidential palace. The recent advancements mark a significant shift in the ongoing conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
According to military statements, forces successfully eliminated numerous paramilitary fighters attempting to escape through various routes in central Khartoum. In addition to the central bank, other strategic buildings have also been secured. The military had earlier reclaimed the presidential palace, prompting a retaliatory drone strike from the RSF, which resulted in casualties, including journalists and army personnel.
Reports indicate that RSF fighters sought refuge in buildings located in Al-Mogran, a business district west of the palace. This area, home to banks and corporate headquarters, had been a stronghold for RSF snipers who utilized high-rise buildings to maintain strategic oversight over Omdurman and the governmental ministries in central Khartoum.
The battle for control over Khartoum’s financial and governmental district could significantly strengthen the military’s position in the ongoing conflict, potentially shifting the balance of power in the capital. This development follows a prolonged struggle that has left much of the city in ruins and deepened the humanitarian crisis.
Since April 2023, fighting has persisted between the military, led by its chief commander, and the RSF, commanded by a former deputy leader. The conflict has caused widespread devastation, with tens of thousands of lives lost and millions displaced. The war has also exacerbated a dire humanitarian crisis, leading to severe food shortages and mass displacement.
The country now finds itself divided, with the military holding the eastern and northern regions, while the RSF maintains control over most of Darfur in the west and parts of the south. As battles continue, both sides remain entrenched in their struggle for dominance, with no clear resolution in sight. The recent advances in Khartoum could mark a turning point, though the overall impact on the broader conflict remains uncertain.
The ongoing war has significantly affected Sudan’s civilian population, with entire communities uprooted and essential services disrupted. International organizations have raised concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian conditions, calling for urgent intervention to prevent further suffering. The prolonged fighting has only deepened the country’s instability, with peace efforts struggling to gain traction.
While the military’s recent gains demonstrate its resilience, the RSF continues to hold strategic areas, making it difficult to predict the trajectory of the conflict. With both factions unwilling to back down, Sudan’s war remains a protracted struggle with dire consequences for its people.
The capture of key locations in Khartoum may provide a temporary advantage, but lasting peace will require negotiations and concerted international efforts. The country remains at a crossroads, with the future hinging on whether both sides can reach a political settlement to end the devastating war.
