Khartoum witnessed a major shift in Sudan’s ongoing civil war as the army reclaimed control of key areas, including the presidential palace and the international airport.
Sudan’s military leader, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, visited the palace on Saturday, declaring, “Khartoum is free,” while surrounded by cheering soldiers.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which had held most of the city since April 2023, have been rapidly retreating south. An army spokesperson confirmed that troops had secured Manshiya Bridge—the last RSF-held bridge—along with a key military camp in Jebel Awliya, the group’s remaining stronghold in southern Khartoum. The military now controls all bridges connecting Greater Khartoum.
Residents in central Khartoum celebrated the army’s advance, after enduring months of looting and violence by the RSF, which occupied civilian homes.
However, the humanitarian crisis remains dire. The UN warns of famine-like conditions due to looted markets and restricted aid.
Reports of indiscriminate shelling, sexual violence, and other abuses by both sides continue to emerge.
The military-led government, previously forced to relocate to Port Sudan, now holds a strategic advantage with the capital back under its control.
However, the RSF still dominates western Sudan, particularly the Darfur region. Both factions receive foreign military support, and previous peace efforts have failed.
While the army’s recent victories mark a turning point, Sudan’s war remains far from over, with fears of prolonged conflict and further humanitarian catastrophe.
