Sudan’s army has reclaimed the Presidential Palace in the capital, Khartoum, in a significant victory over the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has controlled large parts of the war-torn country for nearly a year.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) announced the victory on Friday, describing it as a crucial step toward reclaiming full control of the capital. However, the RSF maintains that the battle for the palace is ongoing, signaling that fierce fighting is far from over.
A Symbolic Victory for the SAF
The Presidential Palace, a key symbol of national sovereignty, had been under RSF control since the start of the war in April 2023. Its recapture is seen as a morale booster for the SAF and a potential turning point in the conflict.
“Today the flag is raised, the palace is back, and the journey continues until victory is complete,” Sudan’s Information Minister Khalid Al-Aiser wrote on X (formerly Twitter). The justice ministry also praised the palace’s “liberation,” emphasizing its national significance.
Ongoing Clashes and RSF Resistance
Despite the army’s declaration of victory, the RSF insists that the battle is not over. In a statement on Telegram, the group claimed its fighters were still present in the area and had carried out a “swift military operation” inside the palace, reportedly killing dozens of SAF soldiers.
Local media reported that a drone strike hit the palace later on Friday, killing an unspecified number of soldiers, including journalists from the state broadcaster.
The Humanitarian Toll
As fighting intensifies, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence. According to the United Nations Human Rights Office, dozens of civilians, including humanitarian workers, have been killed by artillery shelling and airstrikes in recent days. The conflict, which has displaced over 11 million people, has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
What’s Next for Sudan?
While retaking the Presidential Palace is a major win for the SAF, much of Khartoum remains under RSF control. The militia also dominates the western, southern, and central regions of Sudan, including Darfur, where reports of ethnically motivated killings persist.
Experts warn that unless both sides engage in meaningful negotiations, the fighting could escalate further, deepening Sudan’s humanitarian catastrophe. The question remains: will the SAF use this momentum to push for a political settlement, or will the war continue with no end in sight?
