Sudan's Military Secures Khartoum's Republican Palace Amid Ongoing Conflict

Sudan's military has reclaimed the Republican Palace in Khartoum, marking a significant milestone in a bitter conflict that has raged for nearly two years. The palace, once a symbol of governmental authority, had been held by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Despite this victory, the fighting is far from over as RSF forces still control territories in western Darfur and other regions.

Videos circulating on social media captured the moment Sudanese soldiers entered the palace, which was in a state of disrepair, with shattered tiles and battle scars everywhere. Soldiers, armed with assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades, chanted religious slogans like "God is the greatest!" as they surveyed the compound.

Sudan's information minister Khaled al-Aiser confirmed the military's victory in a statement on social media, declaring, "Today the flag is raised, the palace is back, and the journey continues until victory is complete." While this is undoubtedly an emotional declaration, the sight of bloodied walls and bodies covered under blankets within the palace underscores the true cost of this symbolic win.

The Republican Palace, located along the Nile River, has long been embedded in Sudan's history, appearing on banknotes and stamps as a marker of national pride. Retaking it is a strategic gain for the military, led by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, who has been steadily advancing against RSF forces, led by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. Sporadic gunfire echoed through Khartoum on Friday, leaving residents to wonder whether it signaled more fighting or celebratory gunfire.

While Sudanese military forces now control the palace and surrounding areas, including ministry buildings and the Arab Market, the RSF still maintains hold over Khartoum International Airport, located just 1.5 miles southeast of the palace. RSF leadership issued a statement claiming their forces "are still present in the vicinity of the area, fighting bravely." A drone attack reportedly orchestrated by the RSF targeted the palace, causing casualties among troops and journalists.

The RSF also claimed to have seized the city of al-Maliha in North Darfur, a strategic desert location near Chad and Libya's borders. While the military acknowledged ongoing clashes around al-Maliha, they have not confirmed losing control of the city.

Beyond the battlefield, Sudan's conflict has created the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, according to UNICEF. The looting of food aid meant for malnourished children and blocked supply routes has left thousands of civilians trapped without access to essentials like food and medicine. The death toll from the war has surpassed 28,000, with millions displaced and families resorting to eating grass to survive.

The palace itself carries a deep historical legacy, having served as the seat of power during British colonization and later as the headquarters of Sudan's president after independence in 1956. Its fall is emblematic of the broader instability plaguing the nation.

Sudan has endured years of chaos, beginning with the ousting of longtime autocratic President Omar al-Bashir in 2019 following a popular uprising. A brief transition to democracy was derailed by a military coup led by Burhan and Dagalo in 2021. The RSF and Sudanese military have been at odds since 2023, with allegations of human rights abuses mounting on both sides. The RSF is accused of genocide by the U.S. State Department, while both factions deny these claims.

As the conflict drags on, Sudan's people bear the brunt of its devastating impact, with no clear end in sight. The latest developments around the Republican Palace emphasize both the symbolic gains and the unimaginable human toll of this war.