Sudanese Military Consolidates Power in Khartoum After Retaking Key Buildings

Sudan’s military has regained control of crucial buildings in Khartoum, including the Republican Palace, from the RSF, marking a significant phase in the ongoing conflict. This victory follows extensive military operations resulting in numerous RSF casualties. However, the war continues to exact a heavy toll on civilians, prompting widespread humanitarian crises and accusations of war crimes.

On March 21, 2025, Sudan’s military declared its consolidation of power in Khartoum by seizing key government buildings, including the Republican Palace, from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Brig. Gen. Nabil Abdullah, a spokesperson for the military, confirmed that troops regained control of the National Intelligence Service headquarters and the Corinthia Hotel, eliminating hundreds of RSF fighters during their retreat from the capital.

The recapture of the Republican Palace marked a symbolic victory in the ongoing conflict that has persisted for nearly two years. Tragically, a drone attack attributed to the RSF earlier that day resulted in the deaths of two journalists and a military officer, highlighting the toll of the conflict.

Initially, the RSF occupied critical government and military structures in Khartoum, including the Republican Palace and military headquarters. However, recent military strategies have led to significant territorial recoveries, including a pivotal moment in January when the military broke the RSF’s siege on the General Command, paving the way for the palace’s recapture shortly thereafter.

The military’s next objective appears to be the Khartoum International Airport, located approximately 2.5 kilometers from the palace, as evidenced by social media videos showing troops advancing toward the site. The ongoing war has created a humanitarian crisis, with over 28,000 fatalities reported alongside widespread famine, displacing millions and driving families to desperate measures for survival.

Furthermore, the conflict has been marred by severe atrocities, including mass rape and ethnically targeted killings, which have been classified as war crimes by both the United Nations and international human rights organizations, particularly in the Darfur region.

The Sudanese military’s recent victory in retaking the Republican Palace and key government buildings has shifted the power dynamics in Khartoum, signifying a possible turning point in the ongoing conflict. The war’s drastic humanitarian consequences, with a death toll exceeding 28,000 and numerous war crimes reported, underscore the urgent need for international attention and resolution in Sudan. The military’s focus now turns to reclaiming control of the Khartoum International Airport, which remains under RSF occupation.

Original Source: apnews.com