Sudan’s army has recaptured the Presidential Palace in Khartoum, marking a significant victory in its ongoing battle against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a rebel militia controlling large parts of the war-torn nation. The announcement was made by the army spokesperson, signaling a major step in reclaiming the capital.
Since April 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF have been locked in a brutal conflict over territory, sparking one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Over 28,000 people have died, and 11 million have been displaced, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data initiative. The RSF has held Khartoum under siege since the war began, but on Friday, the government declared its troops had regained control of the Presidential Palace, a key symbol of national sovereignty.
“Today the flag is raised, the palace is back, and the journey continues until victory is complete,” stated Information Minister Khalid Al-Aiser. The justice ministry celebrated the palace’s liberation, calling it a pivotal moment for national sovereignty. Activist Hala Al-Karib emphasized its importance for displaced people, noting it could pave the way for their return, though questions about Sudan’s governance and the SAF’s willingness to engage in a political process with the RSF remain unresolved.
The SAF claimed to have inflicted heavy losses on the RSF, destroying personnel and equipment while seizing weapons. However, the RSF countered in a Telegram post, asserting that the battle for the palace was ongoing and claiming to have killed 89 SAF personnel in a swift operation. Local media reported a drone strike on the palace, resulting in casualties among soldiers and state media journalists.
Despite the SAF’s gains, the RSF still controls parts of Khartoum and regions in western, southern, and central Sudan, including Darfur, where ethnic violence persists. Retaking Khartoum would be a symbolic victory for the SAF, as the RSF had begun forming a parallel government. However, the cost to civilians remains high, with dozens killed in recent weeks due to artillery shelling and aerial bombardments.
Both sides have been accused of war crimes, including genocide and sexual violence against children. The conflict continues to devastate Sudan, with no clear end in sight.
