Khartoum, Sudan — Sudan’s military has recaptured the Presidential Palace in Khartoum, marking a significant breakthrough in its battle against the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) announced the victory on Friday, dealing a blow to the paramilitary group that has controlled large parts of the capital since the war began in April 2023.
The conflict between the SAF and RSF has plunged Sudan into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with over **28,000 dead** and **11 million displaced**, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. The RSF had besieged Khartoum for months, but the SAF’s latest offensive has reclaimed a key symbol of state authority.
Today the flag is raised, the palace is back, and the journey continues until victory is complete,” Information Minister Khalid Al-Aiser declared on social media. The justice ministry hailed the **“liberation of the Republican Palace”** as a restoration of national sovereignty.
Photos circulated by the military showed troops celebrating inside the palace. A spokesperson claimed SAF forces had completely destroyed enemy personnel and seized large quantities of weapons.”
However, the RSF quickly countered, insisting the battle was not over. In a Telegram post, the group claimed its fighters remained near the palace and had killed **89 SAF troops** in a retaliatory strike. Local reports said a drone attack later hit the compound, killing soldiers and state media journalists.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Stalled Peace Efforts
While the palace’s recapture is a symbolic win for the military, activists warn that the war is far from resolved. **“The question of Sudan’s governance—and whether the SAF will pursue a political solution or keep fighting—remains unanswered,”** said activist Hala Al-Karib.
The RSF still holds much of Khartoum, along with western, southern, and central regions, including Darfur, where ethnic violence persists. Meanwhile, both sides face accusations of war crimes. The U.S. has accused the RSF of **genocide**, while a recent UNICEF report linked SAF forces to **sexual violence against children as young as one**.
Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the fighting. **“Dozens of civilians, including aid workers, have been killed in artillery strikes and airstrikes,”** said Seif Magango of the UN Human Rights Office. Reports also detail **summary executions, looting, and mass arrests** by both factions.
As Sudan’s military pushes to retake the capital, analysts warn that without a political solution, the conflict—and its devastating toll—will only worsen.
*(Sources: CNN, UN reports, local media)*
