In brief
Residents of Khartoum witness fierce clashes as the Sudanese army continues its advance against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), reclaiming key areas and hinting at a potential shift in the conflict's tide.
In a remarkable escalation of tensions, residents of Sudan's capital Khartoum are observing a notable change in the dynamics of the ongoing civil war, as the Sudanese army has reportedly secured significant portions of the city from the control of RSF paramilitaries. This marks its most substantial victory in over a year, according to local accounts. One resident, a doctor using the pseudonym Mustafa, described the situation as dire, stating, "Shrapnel and stray ammunition are falling on my neighbourhood," emphasizing the intensity of conflict surrounding him.The army's recent successes include the reclaiming of crucial sites such as the national mint and strongholds across the wider capital area, including Omdurman and Bahri. Military leader Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan projects confidence, announcing a belief that "very soon there will be no rebels in Khartoum." This optimism comes after the army secured near-total control of Gesira state, which many believe has shifted the momentum in their favor.Despite this military progress, challenges remain immense. The conflict, which erupted almost two years ago between Gen Burhan and his rival Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo, has resulted in catastrophic humanitarian conditions. More than 12 million individuals have been displaced, with aid workers indicating that over 100,000 people in Khartoum alone are currently facing famine conditions. International agencies classify Sudan as the site of the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Both warring factions have been accused of committing severe atrocities against civilians. The RSF faces particular scrutiny, with some accusing them of genocidal acts in Darfur, though both groups deny all accusations.As the military gains ground, some residents express relief over the diminishing RSF presence, which has been linked to numerous civilian abuses, including killings and theft. However, the army's tactics have also raised concerns. Critics note that reports of alleged summary executions and retaliation against perceived RSF collaborators create an atmosphere of fear among the civilian population. Events in recent months have instilled anxiety in residents like Amir, who fears for family members caught in the crossfire: "He is not a collaborator or an informant... Will he be slaughtered or left alone?"The unfolding conflict in Sudan continues to accentuate a spectrum of stories, revealing both the promise of military victory and the real risks to civilian safety. As the army closes in on Khartoum, the uncertainty of the future looms large, leaving citizens in a precarious position as they brace for the potential consequences of ongoing hostilities. As the situation develops, Khartoum residents are left to navigate a landscape fraught with peril and unpredictability.
