On March 26, 2025, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the chief of Sudan’s army and de facto leader, triumphantly declared, "Khartoum is free" as he arrived at the presidential palace in Khartoum for the first time in nearly two years. His arrival marked a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has ravaged the country since April 2023.
Burhan's statement, broadcast on Sudan state television, came shortly after the SAF reported that it had recaptured Khartoum International Airport and the presidential palace, both of which had been under RSF control since the war began. Burhan's return to the palace is seen as a crucial victory for the SAF, which has been engaged in a fierce battle to regain control of the capital.
According to the Sudanese official news agency, SUNA, Burhan arrived in Khartoum via the international airport, indicating that the SAF had either partially or fully regained control of this strategic location. The army launched an offensive last week, culminating in the retaking of the presidential palace on March 24, 2025. This marked a pivotal moment in the conflict, as the RSF had held significant territory in Khartoum for nearly two years.
Military sources revealed that the SAF had successfully surrounded the Jebel Awliya area, a key stronghold of the RSF located south of central Khartoum, and had secured both sides of the Manshiya Bridge, which crosses the Blue Nile River. Witnesses reported that RSF fighters were seen retreating from neighborhoods across the city, including Gereif West and Burri, as the SAF advanced.
However, the conflict is far from over. Despite the SAF's recent successes in Khartoum, the RSF still retains control over large areas of the country, particularly in the western region of Darfur. The ongoing fighting has resulted in a staggering death toll, with estimates ranging from 60,000 to 150,000, and has displaced over 12.5 million people, according to the United Nations.
As the SAF continues its offensive, there are growing concerns about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan. The UN has described the situation as the "world's worst humanitarian crisis," with widespread famine and disease affecting millions. Reports indicate that approximately 3.2 million children in Sudan are expected to face acute malnutrition this year.
In addition to the immediate humanitarian concerns, the conflict has raised fears of a potential partitioning of the country. Analysts warn that the SAF's advances in Khartoum could lead to a standoff, with the RSF entrenched in the west. This scenario poses a dire threat to Sudan's stability and the well-being of its citizens.
Amid these developments, Yasser al-Atta, assistant commander in chief of the SAF, issued a warning to neighboring Chad, which has been accused of supporting the RSF. Atta stated that the army would take retaliatory action against Chad's president, Mahamat Kaka, and labeled the airports in N'Djamena and Amdjarass as "legitimate targets" for the Sudanese Armed Forces.
Chad's Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Atta's threats, asserting that such statements could be interpreted as a declaration of war, and warned that the country reserves the right to respond forcefully to any aggression.
As the situation in Sudan continues to evolve, the international community is closely monitoring the developments. The conflict has drawn attention from foreign powers, with reports suggesting that the RSF has received support from the United Arab Emirates via Chad. Diplomatic efforts to broker peace have so far failed, leaving the future of Sudan uncertain.
In the meantime, residents of Khartoum have expressed relief and joy at the army's advances. Videos circulating on social media show citizens celebrating in the streets, marking a stark contrast to the grim realities faced during the RSF's occupation. However, the path to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges, as the SAF's victories do not guarantee an end to the violence.
Experts emphasize that a comprehensive political settlement is necessary to dismantle the RSF's power structures and ensure a stable future for Sudan. Until then, the country remains in a precarious state, grappling with the aftermath of two years of brutal conflict and the looming threat of further violence.
In summary, while the SAF's recapture of Khartoum represents a significant military achievement, the broader implications for Sudan's future remain uncertain. The ongoing humanitarian crisis, the potential for further conflict, and the need for a political resolution underscore the complexity of the situation. As the world watches, the people of Sudan continue to endure the consequences of a war that has reshaped their lives.
