Written By Lisa Murimi
The Sudanese army has regained control of the presidential palace in Khartoum from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), marking a significant shift in the ongoing conflict.
Military leaders confirmed the victory, with video footage and photographs verified by the BBC showing jubilant soldiers celebrating the recapture.
The development comes nearly two years after the army was expelled from the capital by the RSF.
The paramilitary group has yet to release an official statement on the loss of the palace. Sudan’s state television aired footage of soldiers cheering, waving their weapons, and kneeling in prayer following their success.
Army spokesperson Nabil Abdallah announced on state TV that the military had taken control of key government buildings, including ministerial offices in central Khartoum.
“Our forces completely destroyed the enemy’s fighters and equipment, seizing large quantities of weapons,” he stated.
Abdallah also reaffirmed the army’s commitment to continuing the fight “until victory is complete.”
Khartoum has been a major battleground since the war erupted two years ago, with the RSF controlling much of the capital and western Sudan.
The army’s recent territorial gains in central Sudan have bolstered its position.
Despite the recapture, intense fighting continues. On Thursday, witnesses reported drone strikes and explosions near the Republican Palace.
RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, has vowed to defend strategic locations and threatened counterattacks in northern cities.
The war has led to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with both factions accused of human rights abuses. Efforts to broker peace have repeatedly failed as both sides refuse to back down.
