General Abdel Fattah Burhan of Sudan declared Khartoum free during his first palace visit in two years, highlighting significant control regained by the SAF. Ongoing military actions are escalated in Darfur, leading to concerns of continued conflict and humanitarian crises, along with tensions toward neighboring Chad.
On Wednesday, General Abdel Fattah Burhan, chief of Sudan’s army and de facto leader, visited the presidential palace for the first time in nearly two years. His arrival, after landing at Khartoum International Airport, was announced by Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council, indicating the army’s regained control over critical locations, including the airport itself, which has been under paramilitary control since the outbreak of war in April 2023.
In a state television broadcast, Burhan proclaimed, “Khartoum is free; it’s done.” This marks a significant moment as the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have launched offensives to retake the capital, with notable progress reported in areas such as Jebel Awliya and the strategic Manshiya Bridge.
Meanwhile, activists reported a considerable withdrawal of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from various neighborhoods, including Gereif West and Burri. The SAF’s offensives also extend to Darfur, where heightened violence was noted, including a shelling incident on a market in Tora that reportedly led to civilian fatalities.
As the conflict escalates in Darfur, a war monitor has indicated that the action by the SAF signals a broader attempt to consolidate power, aiming to prevent any potential partitioning of the country. This reflects ongoing tensions amidst the RSF’s establishment of a parallel government, raising concerns about the future structure of Sudan.
Furthermore, threats have emerged against neighboring Chad as Burhan’s assistant commander, Yasser al-Atta, warned of retaliatory measures against alleged support of the RSF by Chad. The conflict has turned dire, with death tolls possibly reaching up to 150,000 and millions displaced, highlighting the intense humanitarian crisis developing in Sudan.
In conclusion, General Burhan’s declaration of a liberated Khartoum marks a pivotal moment as the SAF aims to reassert control amidst a turbulent political landscape. The ongoing conflict, especially the incidents in Darfur, raises grave humanitarian concerns and hints at potential regional tensions with neighboring Chad. The future of Sudan remains uncertain as the SAF and RSF compete for dominance, posing risks of continued violence and instability.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
