Sudan’s military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has declared Khartoum “free” after government forces recaptured key areas from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The army’s latest victories include reclaiming the presidential palace and securing Khartoum International Airport, marking a significant shift in the ongoing conflict that has ravaged the country since April 2023.
Burhan’s triumphant visit to the presidential palace, surrounded by cheering soldiers, underscored the army’s momentum in retaking state institutions previously held by the RSF. A senior army commander told the BBC that troops had fully secured the airport and aimed to clear the last RSF pockets in the capital by the end of the day.
This military advance follows months of intense battles, during which the RSF had controlled most of Khartoum. The war has inflicted a devastating toll on Sudan, with hundreds of thousands killed and millions displaced. While the army’s control over Khartoum marks a strategic breakthrough, the conflict remains far from over.
An army spokesperson confirmed the seizure of Manshiya Bridge, the last RSF-held bridge, and a key military camp in Jebel Awliya, the paramilitary’s last stronghold in southern Khartoum. Additionally, the army has recaptured all bridges across the River Nile, effectively cutting off RSF escape routes from the city.
Residents have reported RSF fighters retreating southward, likely towards Jebel Awliya. Social media videos suggest some civilians in central Khartoum celebrated the army’s advance, hoping for relief from months of RSF occupation, which had been marked by widespread looting and human rights abuses.
However, Sudan remains in turmoil. Khartoum faces looming famine due to looted markets and restricted aid access. Rights groups have documented severe abuses by both warring factions, including indiscriminate shelling and sexual violence. Earlier this week, an air force strike on a market reportedly killed dozens of civilians.
Despite retaking the capital, the army must contend with the RSF’s dominance in Darfur and continued foreign-backed arms supplies to both factions. International peace efforts have repeatedly failed, leaving Sudan’s future uncertain. The recapture of Khartoum is a major milestone for the military, but a long and brutal war still lies ahead.
