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By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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Sudan Army vs RSF: A Shift in Power
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum on March 21, 2025. This event marked a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) (Presidential palace recaptured by Sudanese army after two years of war). For many in the African diaspora, this conflict echoes painful histories of internal strife fueled by power struggles.The victory, confirmed by social media footage, showed celebrations among SAF troops. Furthermore, the SAF spokesperson, Nabil Abdallah, announced the seizure of “large quantities of equipment and weapons” from the RSF (Sudanese military recaptures presidential palace from paramilitary …). This recapture builds upon earlier SAF gains in Omdurman and Khartoum Bahri, highlighting a shift in momentum (Sudan army recaptures presidential palace from RSF). It’s a complex situation. It reminds us of the fragility of peace, especially within nations grappling with the legacies of colonialism and authoritarian rule.
Khartoum Presidential Palace Conflict: Strategic Implications
The SAF’s shift from defensive to offensive tactics in late 2023 has been crucial. They retook neighborhoods in Khartoum Bahri and Omdurman, securing vital alliances with rebel groups (EUAA Report: Sudan Security Situation). It’s these kinds of strategic moves that can change the course of a conflict.Recent offensives have also focused on key infrastructure. Roads and bridges linking Omdurman to Khartoum city were targeted, solidifying the SAF’s control over strategic areas (EUAA Report: Sudan Security Situation). Securing supply routes is paramount. Consequently, the impact spreads through this struggle. The capture highlights the long-term strategies employed in this conflict.
Sudan Humanitarian Crisis Update: A Nation in Need
The human cost of this conflict is staggering. Over 30 million people, including approximately 16 million children, are in dire need of aid (Presidential palace recaptured by Sudanese army after two years of war). The United Nations has declared it the world’s “largest and most devastating displacement crisis.” This is a humanitarian catastrophe of immense proportions, demanding a global response.
The situation reminds that the faces of those suffering are often Black and Brown, with no protection. Moreover, the struggle is complicated. The International Criminal Court has accused both the SAF and the RSF of war crimes. Independent estimates suggest a death toll ranging from 20,000 to 150,000, though exact figures are difficult to obtain (Sudanese military recaptures presidential palace from paramilitary …). This staggering loss of life underscores the brutal reality of this conflict.
Sudan Civil War Statistics: Understanding the Conflict’s Roots
The current conflict began in April 2023, rooted in a power struggle between SAF General Fatt al-Burhan and RSF deputy leader Mohammed Hamdan (Hemedti) (Sudanese military recaptures presidential palace from paramilitary …). This struggle followed the ouster of dictator Omar al-Bashir, a figure whose legacy casts a long shadow over Sudan.
Multiple attempts at international mediation have failed, with both sides committed to fighting for control of key areas (Presidential palace recaptured by Sudanese army after two years of war). Therefore, the struggle continues. The history of broken peace agreements in the region is a stark reminder of the challenges in achieving lasting stability.
Sudan SAF Military Strategy: Alliances and Warfare
The SAF’s ability to forge alliances with groups like the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM-MM) and Justice and Equality Movement (JEM-Jibril) shows strategy (EUAA Report: Sudan Security Situation). While details on these groups are scarce, they are armed factions historically opposed to Bashir’s regime. Their alignment with the SAF is a tactical decision to work together.
Understanding the Rapid Support Forces
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), originating as the Janjaweed militias, transformed into an influential paramilitary group. Officially legalized in 2013, the RSF initially fought insurgencies and continues to operate with significant autonomy.
The force is currently led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti. Significantly, he was a co-leader during Sudan’s 2021 military coup, and his RSF maintains a powerful position, resisting full integration into the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.
