Sudan’s army is on the verge of seizing control of the Presidential Palace in Khartoum from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), marking a crucial development in the ongoing conflict that has destabilized the country for nearly two years, according to state television reports on Thursday.

The conflict erupted in April 2023, triggered by a power struggle between Sudan’s army and the RSF ahead of a planned transition to civilian rule. At the onset of the war, the RSF quickly overran the Presidential Palace and most of Khartoum, but in recent months, the Sudanese Armed Forces have mounted a determined counteroffensive, slowly advancing towards the palace along the banks of the River Nile.

This shift in momentum represents a significant turning point in the battle for control of the Sudanese capital. For much of the past year, the RSF maintained dominance in the region, but the army’s resurgence suggests a potential change in the course of the war.

However, the military gains come amid troubling reports of escalating violence against civilians in Khartoum. Since March 12, dozens of civilians, including local humanitarian volunteers, have been killed by artillery shelling and aerial bombardment by both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF in eastern Khartoum and northern Omdurman. These attacks have intensified the already dire humanitarian situation in the capital and surrounding areas.

In addition to the bombardments, credible reports indicate that the RSF and allied militia have been raiding homes in eastern Khartoum, carrying out summary killings and arbitrary detentions. There have also been widespread looting incidents, with food and medical supplies stolen from community kitchens and medical clinics. Disturbing allegations of sexual violence have emerged from the Al Giraif Gharb neighborhood, where residents have reported ongoing abuse by the RSF.

On the other side, the Sudanese Armed Forces and affiliated fighters are also accused of engaging in looting and criminal activities in areas they control, including Khartoum North (Bahri) and East Nile. Widespread arbitrary arrests are reportedly continuing in East Nile, where civilians face an increasing risk of violence and unlawful detention.

The situation in Khartoum and across Sudan has prompted calls for urgent action. International bodies have reiterated their calls for both parties in the conflict, as well as all States with influence over them, to take concrete steps to protect civilians and end the lawlessness and impunity that have plagued the country.

The RSF, which has been attempting to consolidate power and establish a parallel government, still controls parts of Khartoum, as well as the neighboring city of Omdurman. Additionally, it maintains a strong presence in western Sudan, particularly in the Darfur region, where it is locked in fierce combat with the army for control of the city of al-Fashir, which represents the army’s final stronghold in the area.

The capture of the Presidential Palace by the Sudanese Army could significantly accelerate the army’s efforts to seize control of central Sudan. This would further entrench the territorial divide between the two warring forces—one that is increasingly drawing lines between the eastern and western regions of the country. Both sides have pledged to continue their battle for control of the country, and despite efforts from international bodies, peace talks have failed to materialize, leaving little hope for a swift resolution.

As the war continues to escalate, Sudan is facing what the United Nations has called the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The prolonged conflict has caused widespread famine and disease across the nation, leaving millions in dire need of aid. Both the army and RSF have been accused of committing war crimes, with the RSF facing specific charges of genocide. However, both groups have denied these accusations, claiming that any crimes committed are the result of individual actions, not systematic policies.

The battle for the Presidential Palace has been intense in recent weeks, with the RSF employing snipers positioned around key downtown buildings in a desperate attempt to hold on to its grip on power. The leader of the RSF, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has ordered his troops to defend the palace at all costs, with reports indicating that his forces have engaged in fierce resistance against the advancing army.

The situation has drawn international concern, with leaders like Paul Kagame calling for an immediate ceasefire to bring an end to the violence. However, with both sides refusing to relent, the fighting continues unabated.

In the early hours of Thursday morning, explosions rang out across central Khartoum, as Sudanese airstrikes and drone attacks targeted areas controlled by the RSF. The Sudanese army has maintained air superiority throughout the conflict, although the RSF has recently demonstrated an increasing ability to deploy drones in its operations.

On the Telegram messenger app, the RSF claimed that its forces were advancing towards the Army General Command, located in central Khartoum. Eyewitnesses confirmed that RSF fighters were attacking from the southern parts of the city, intensifying the ongoing struggle for control.

As the army continues to make headway in central Sudan, many displaced individuals have begun to express hope that the Sudanese Armed Forces will restore order and push back against the RSF’s forces. The RSF has been accused of widespread looting, arbitrary killings, and forcibly occupying homes and neighborhoods, which has caused immense suffering for civilians. However, the RSF has denied these charges, pledging that those responsible for any atrocities will be held accountable.

As Sudan continues to teeter on the brink of collapse, the prospect of a military victory by either side remains uncertain. The ongoing battle for Khartoum, and the Presidential Palace in particular, may well determine the future of the country, with both sides determined to emerge victorious at any cost. In the meantime, the protection of civilians remains an urgent priority for the international community, which must continue to push for an end to the violence and for justice to be served to those responsible for the ongoing atrocities.

Reuters.