Sudan’s Army Chief, General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, attended the funeral on Friday of a Sudanese journalist who was killed in a drone attack, reportedly carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The attack, which also claimed the lives of troops and journalists working with Sudanese state television, underscored the ongoing brutality of the conflict that has gripped the country for nearly two years.
The same day, Sudan’s military announced a major victory, reclaiming the Republican Palace in Khartoum, which had been one of the last strongholds of the RSF in the capital. The Republican Palace, a heavily fortified government complex, had remained under RSF control since the start of the conflict in April 2023. Its capture marks a symbolic and strategic victory for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) as they continue their campaign to regain control of the country.
Burhan Vows to Continue the Fight
During an address to supporters in Gezira province, General Burhan expressed confidence in his forces’ momentum. “During this holy month, our troops are advancing in steady steps to continue liberating Sudan. We promise the Sudanese people that we are moving forward, this battle won’t stop. Our continuity and spirit come from you, the Sudanese people,” he declared.
Burhan’s remarks reflect the military’s determination to maintain pressure on the RSF, which still holds significant territory, particularly in Sudan’s western Darfur region. While the Republican Palace’s capture is a notable success for the SAF, analysts warn that it does not signal the end of the war. The RSF remains deeply entrenched in several areas, and fighting is expected to continue in key regions.
Addressing the losses suffered in the conflict, Burhan offered condolences to the families of those killed. “We offer our condolences to you and to ourselves. And with God’s will, soon, with the sacrifices of these heroic people, we will reap its fruits by seeing Sudan empty and clean from any rebellion and from anyone who wants bad for our people,” he said.
A Country in Prolonged Conflict
Sudan has been in a state of turmoil since the ousting of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019. A popular uprising led to Bashir’s removal after three decades in power, raising hopes for a transition to democracy. However, the fragile progress was derailed in 2021 when Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, led a military coup that dissolved the civilian government.
Tensions between the SAF, led by Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by Dagalo, escalated into open warfare in April 2023. What began as a power struggle quickly turned into a full-scale civil war, displacing millions and plunging Sudan into one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Both sides have been accused of committing war crimes, including targeting civilians and engaging in ethnic violence.
Recent Gains by the Military
Since the beginning of 2024, Burhan’s forces, which include Sudan’s military and allied militias, have been making significant advances against the RSF. Earlier this year, they recaptured a key oil refinery north of Khartoum, cutting off a major revenue source for the RSF. Additionally, the SAF has been intensifying operations to reclaim strategic areas around the capital.
The fall of the Republican Palace is seen as a critical step in this campaign. While much of Khartoum remains a battleground, the military’s recent victories have boosted morale among its supporters. However, the RSF still controls vast areas, particularly in Darfur, where it has established strongholds and reportedly committed large-scale atrocities against civilians.
The continued fighting has taken a devastating toll on the Sudanese people. According to humanitarian organizations, thousands have been killed, and millions have been displaced, with many fleeing to neighboring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt. Food shortages, lack of medical supplies, and attacks on humanitarian workers have worsened the crisis, leaving millions in desperate need of aid.
International Reactions and Calls for Peace
The ongoing conflict has drawn condemnation from the international community, with repeated calls for an immediate ceasefire. However, peace efforts have so far failed to yield lasting results. Mediation attempts by the United Nations, the African Union, and regional bodies such as IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) have struggled to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table.
Western governments, including the United States and the European Union, have imposed sanctions on individuals and entities linked to both the SAF and RSF, accusing them of human rights violations and obstructing peace efforts. However, these measures have done little to curb the violence, as both factions continue to receive support from external actors.
A Nation’s Uncertain Future
Despite the military’s recent successes, Sudan’s future remains uncertain. The prolonged conflict has shattered hopes for a peaceful transition to civilian rule, and the country’s political landscape remains deeply fractured. Many fear that even if one faction gains the upper hand militarily, long-term stability will remain elusive without genuine reconciliation efforts.
Burhan has reiterated his commitment to restoring order and eventually transitioning to a civilian-led government. However, skepticism remains high, given the military’s role in derailing previous democratic efforts. Similarly, the RSF has framed itself as a defender of the Sudanese people, though its actions, particularly in Darfur, have drawn widespread condemnation.
As the battle for control over Sudan continues, ordinary citizens remain the biggest victims, caught between two warring factions with no clear resolution in sight. With each passing day, the humanitarian crisis deepens, and the country’s path to peace appears more uncertain than ever.
While the recapture of the Republican Palace is a significant moment in the conflict, it is far from the final chapter. The war is likely to drag on, and without a negotiated settlement, Sudan risks further descent into chaos. For now, the Sudanese people continue to endure hardship, hoping that one day, peace will return to their land.
