Sudan’s military claimed a significant victory on March 21, 2025, by retaking the Republican Palace in Khartoum, marking a critical turning point in the ongoing conflict with the paramilitary forces known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This victory, occurring after nearly two years of intense and destructive fighting, represents not just a strategic gain but a powerful symbol of military strength against the RSF, who have held significant ground in the capital.
The Republican Palace, located along the Nile River and surrounded by key government ministries, was the last heavily fortified bastion of the RSF in the capital. Videos shared on social media showcased soldiers inside the compound, with Sudanese military officials confirming the capture. Khaled al-Aiser, Sudan’s information minister, took to the platform X, declaring, “Today the flag is raised, the palace is back and the journey continues until victory is complete.” The imagery of soldiers within the palace, where shattered tiles lay beneath their boots, painted a stark picture of the violence that has engulfed the country.
While the retaking of the Republic Palace is a notable victory for the Sudanese military, observers caution that it does not signal an end to the war. The RSF retains control over significant territories, especially in the western Darfur region, where reports indicate they have established a presence. Brig. Gen. Nabil Abdullah, a spokesperson for the Sudanese military, expressed confidence in their hold on the palace and surrounding areas, stating that they have successfully subdued RSF fighters.
In contrast, the RSF asserted through a social media statement, “Our brave forces are still in the vicinity of the area, fighting bravely.” They have also claimed control of al-Maliha, a strategic city located in North Darfur, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict. This back-and-forth has resulted in a dire condition for civilians caught in the crossfire, with increasing casualties and humanitarian impacts.
The war, which erupted in April 2023, arose from a power struggle between General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, head of the military, and General Hemedti of the RSF. The conflict has seen brutal street battles, aerial bombardments, and severe consequences for the populace. An estimated 28,000 have perished, with some figures suggesting the death toll might eclipse 150,000.
The situation has deteriorated further as a humanitarian crisis unfolds, with agencies like UNICEF warning that Sudan is facing the world’s largest humanitarian disaster. Their latest reports indicated that millions are displaced and suffering from food shortages, exacerbated by both military actions and challenging humanitarian conditions. Many families are reportedly left resorting to eating grass to survive, a heartbreaking testament to the severe famine sweeping several regions.
Years of instability have plagued Sudan since the civil unrest that led to the removal of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir in 2019. A brief transition toward democracy quickly crumbled when Burhan and Hemedti mounted a military coup in 2021, which further entrenched the cycles of violence and conflicts that unfolded in subsequent years.
As fighting continues, non-governmental organizations have cried out for aid to reach civilians. U.S. officials have warned of atrocities committed by both sides, with allegations of ethnic cleansing levied against the RSF and ongoing claims of human rights violations from military forces. The humanitarian situation remains dire, compounded by significant cuts to aid and funding, criticisms directed towards both the military and foreign policy impacts on the crisis.
Analysts agree that the strategic retaking of the Republican Palace is a pivotal moment for the Sudanese military, reinforcing their foothold in the capital. However, the ongoing complexities of territory held by the RSF further complicate the path to peace. “The RSF have gone from controlling the vast bulk of the capital to losing most of it,” remarked Alan Boswell, project director for the Horn of Africa at the International Crisis Group. “For the military, Khartoum is the big prize — and the loss of the palace is even more remarkable.”
As the dust settles from this latest bout of violence, the road ahead for both the military and RSF appears fraught with challenges and the specter of continued conflict looms large over Sudan. Residents and families remain in uncertainty, hoping for respite from the turmoil that has engulfed their nation.
