The Sudanese army has claimed full control of the Presidential Palace in the capital, Khartoum, marking a significant symbolic victory amid the ongoing two-year conflict. The seizure of the palace on Friday has intensified concerns about further division in the country, according to Reuters.
Although the army had been retreating for some time, it has recently regained several areas in central Sudan from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Meanwhile, the RSF has strengthened its control in the western region, pushing the country toward de facto partition. The RSF is attempting to establish a parallel government in its controlled areas, though international recognition remains unlikely.
The army also stated that it had taken control of ministries and other key buildings in central Khartoum. Military sources reported that RSF fighters had retreated approximately 400 meters from the palace. Since the conflict began in April 2023, the RSF had quickly taken control of most of Khartoum, including the Presidential Palace.
The military has released videos showing soldiers celebrating inside the palace, with shattered glass windows and bullet-marked walls. The RSF has not yet commented on the loss of the palace or the army’s advances in Khartoum. However, on Thursday, the RSF claimed to have seized an important army base in North Darfur.
Many Sudanese citizens have welcomed the news of the army reclaiming the palace. Mohammad Ibrahim, a 55-year-old Khartoum resident, said, “This is the best news since the war began. It means the army is regaining control of the city. We want to live safely again, without fear and hunger.”
According to the United Nations, the conflict has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The country, with a population of 50 million, is experiencing severe famine and disease outbreaks. Both sides have been accused of war crimes, with the RSF also facing genocide allegations, which they deny.
Gunfire was heard in Khartoum on Friday as the army sought to corner the RSF, raising fears of further bloodshed. The RSF still controls vast areas in the southern part of the city.
In a statement, the army declared, “We are advancing on all fronts, and we will continue until every inch of our country is cleared of these militias and their allies.”
The war began two years ago as Sudan was transitioning to democratic governance. After the ousting of Omar al-Bashir in 2019, the army and RSF initially cooperated but later removed civilian leadership from power. Long-standing tensions between the two forces escalated into open conflict. The RSF is led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who was associated with the Janjaweed militia in Darfur, while the army is commanded by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.