Sudanese Armed Forces reclaim Khartoum from Rapid Support Forces

In recent weeks, Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, was liberated after being under the brutal control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for almost two years. Duaa Tariq, a local activist, expressed a profound sense of joy and relief as the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) managed to break the deadlock and restore order in the city. This significant military advancement allowed General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to return to the Presidential Palace, marking a critical moment in the ongoing conflict. Despite the army's retaking of the capital, the situation in Sudan remains precarious. Significant parts of Khartoum have been reduced to rubble due to ongoing shelling throughout the war. The vivid memories of joyous street life have been overshadowed by the destruction that now characterizes the landscape. While residents like Tariq are beginning to enjoy activities that were once deemed unsafe—such as shopping and socializing in public—the threat posed by the RSF continues to linger in other areas of the country, especially in the resource-rich region of Darfur. The RSF, which is still active in various regions, has been accused of committing atrocities, including genocide. As the Sudanese army attempts to consolidate its power in Khartoum, it faces the ongoing challenge of rooting out the RSF from their strongholds. The RSF has also threatened to establish a parallel government, which raises questions about the future of Sudan's governance and unity. Furthermore, the looting of the national museum housing priceless antiquities by the RSF symbolizes the broader cultural devastation that accompanies the conflict. As of now, while Khartoum's streets echo with music and laughter, the scars of war remain evident, and the conflict is far from resolved. Duaa Tariq reflects on the mixed emotions of joy for the liberation coupled with sorrow for the friends lost in the turmoil. The capital has been transformed from a once-charming city into a shadow of its former self, making it clear that despite the recent victory, the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty and challenges for the people of Sudan.