The Sudanese army has announced that it has taken complete control of the Presidential Palace in downtown Khartoum, marking one of its most symbolic victories in a two-year conflict against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). According to Reuters, the army's announcement on Friday comes after months of being on the defensive, during which the RSF had captured the palace and much of Khartoum.

The conflict erupted in April 2023 after government forces and the RSF failed to agree on a power-sharing deal, which was intended to lead to democratic elections following their joint military coup in 2021. The ongoing conflict has pushed Sudan toward a de facto partition, with the RSF attempting to establish a parallel government in the west, which is unlikely to receive widespread international recognition.

The Sudanese army, under Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has recently regained ground, reclaiming key areas in central Sudan, including key government ministries and other important buildings in central Khartoum. Military sources stated that RSF fighters had withdrawn approximately 400 meters from the palace. Despite this, the RSF claimed on Thursday night that it had captured a key military base in North Darfur, further escalating the conflict in western Sudan.

The war has led to what the United Nations describes as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. At least 150,000 people have been killed, while more than 12 million have been forced to flee their homes. Famine is spreading across multiple regions, and disease continues to ravage the country’s population of 50 million. Both sides have been accused of war crimes, while the RSF faces additional allegations of genocide. However, both groups deny any wrongdoing.

The ongoing conflict has significant implications for the region and the international community. The humanitarian crisis is likely to continue to worsen unless a peaceful resolution can be found. The international community must continue to pressure both sides to negotiate a peaceful solution and provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict.

In conclusion, the Sudanese army's claim of control over the Presidential Palace in Khartoum marks a significant turning point in the two-year conflict. However, the conflict is far from over, and the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. It is essential that the international community continues to engage with the situation and work towards a peaceful resolution.