In brief
As Sudan’s civil war rages on, residents of Khartoum report significant territorial gains by the army against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitaries. This marks the army's most substantial victory in nearly a year, with key sites like the mint being reclaimed. Despite the army’s progress, the RSF maintains control over much of the city, leading to a precarious situation for civilians. Amid starvation and violence, there is a blend of anxiety and optimism as the army’s leader promises swift removal of RSF forces from the capital.
Reports indicate that the army has recaptured large sectors of Khartoum from RSF paramilitaries, heralding what many hope to be an end to the entrenched civil war ravaging Sudan. “The clashes these days are heavy,” shared an eyewitness doctor, Mustafa, who described the chaos in his neighborhood as shrapnel and ammunition fall around him.The army's recent victories include the vital state of Gezira and the seizure of central locations in Khartoum, leading army leader Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to announce, "Very soon there will be no rebels in Khartoum." However, as the army pushes forward, humanitarian crises deepen, with over 100,000 in Khartoum alone experiencing famine due to the protracted conflict that has displaced millions.Both the army and RSF have been accused of committing severe atrocities against civilians, causing the ongoing strife to be labeled as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Many in liberated neighborhoods have welcomed the army back, contrasting with the RSF's reputation for violence, including alleged killings and rapes. Nevertheless, the RSF has denied these claims, dismissing reports of army gains as "lies and rumors."Analysts suggest the army's success is attributed to increased recruitment and arms procurement. Nevertheless, fears persist among residents, with reports indicating that the army may retaliate against those perceived as RSF collaborators. Many civilians, like Amir and Mustafa, express their apprehensions about potential consequences of the ongoing conflict on their safety.As the army nears the heart of Khartoum, the future remains uncertain. Many residents are left in a state of fear as they wait for the tide of conflict to turn, hoping for a resolution while dreading the implications of any alliance with the RSF. Their stories shed light on the human toll of the confrontation that has destituted a nation.
