Sudan's military recaptures key government stronghold after prolonged conflict
- The civil war in Sudan has been ongoing since April 2023, leading to widespread death and displacement.
- The Sudanese military has made military advancements, including the recent recapture of the Republican Palace.
- This military victory may not bring an end to hostilities as the RSF continues to hold ground elsewhere in the country.
Sudan is facing a devastating civil war that has escalated since April 2023, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands and displacing millions of civilians. The conflict primarily involves the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which emerged as rival factions after the overthrow of longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir in 2019. As of March 21, 2025, reports indicate that the Sudanese military has successfully retaken the Republican Palace in Khartoum, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing battle against the RSF. This strategic stronghold had been under RSF control since the start of hostilities. The recapture symbolizes the military's ongoing efforts to consolidate power and push the RSF further into a corner. However, despite this military gain, the RSF remains a formidable opponent, holding substantial territory in western Sudan, particularly in the conflict-ridden Darfur region. The ongoing war has caused a humanitarian crisis, with famine threatening millions and survivors resorting to extreme measures to survive. The situation remains precarious, and while the military victory in Khartoum signifies a shift in the war's dynamics, peace remains elusive, with no serious negotiations on the horizon. Both sides continue to face allegations of human rights abuses, further complicating the conflict dynamics as civilians suffer the most from the violence. As the situation evolves, the potential for a deeper partition of Sudan into military and RSF-controlled zones looms large, suggesting the ongoing conflict could persist for the foreseeable future.