The ongoing conflict in Sudan has taken a significant turn as the Sudanese army reported major territorial gains in its battle against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). On March 22, 2025, army officials declared victory over the main headquarters of the country’s central bank, successfully wresting control from the RSF amidst escalating violence in the capital.
Army spokesman Nabil Abdallah announced that the Sudanese soldiers had successfully “eliminated hundreds of militia members who tried to escape through pockets in central Khartoum.” This victory appears to be a part of the military’s larger campaign to consolidate control in the capital, following their seizure of the presidential palace just a day earlier on March 21, 2025.
The RSF's responses have been equally ruthless. Reports indicate that shortly after losing the presidential palace, the RSF retaliated with a drone strike that tragically resulted in the deaths of three journalists and several soldiers. Conflicts like these illustrate the dire consequences of the ongoing clashes as both sides continue to engage in warfare that has left Sudan teetering on the brink of collapse.
Amidst this chaos, Hiba Morgan, a reporter for Al Jazeera, provided insight from Khartoum, noting that the Sudanese army has been making “steady gains” in the weeks leading up to these events. According to Morgan, the army has been gradually taking ground from the RSF in various parts of the capital. However, she pointed out that substantial RSF forces still remain entrenched in several key areas, particularly in the western sections of the country.
As the conflict rages, the humanitarian toll continues to grow. Since the onset of hostilities in April 2023, tens of thousands have lost their lives, and more than 12 million people have been forcibly displaced as a result of the fighting. The spiraling crisis poses an urgent need for international attention and intervention.
In a broader context, Justin Lynch, managing director of Conflict Insights Group, provided an analysis of the situation in Khartoum. Lynch characterized the army’s recent achievements as a “symbolic victory,” emphasizing the potential ramifications these developments could have on the ongoing struggle for control in Sudan.
Despite these advancements, it's critical to consider the strategic implications of the army controlling central financial institutions like the central bank. The RSF, led by Burhan’s former deputy commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has demonstrated its resilience by adopting new tactics such as employing snipers in high-rise buildings within urban centers and conducting drone strikes.
The presence of RSF snipers overlooking vital areas such as Omdurman and the ministries in central Khartoum demonstrates how entrenched the RSF remains in the ongoing conflict. The power struggle between the army and the paramilitary forces has left the nation effectively divided, with the army maintaining stronger positions in the eastern and northern regions while the RSF holds sway over western areas.
As this conflict evolves, the question remains: how will the international community respond to this crisis? Recent developments underscore the urgent need for diplomatic intervention and humanitarian assistance as the civilians caught in the crossfire continue to suffer greatly.
It has become clear that while the Sudanese army celebrates these military victories, the overarching humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, underscoring the urgent need for peace and stability in Sudan. Solutions must prioritize the well-being of millions displaced by war, as the international community watches closely to see how this dramatic power struggle unfolds.
