The Sudanese army announced on Friday that it had taken complete control of the presidential palace in central Khartoum, marking a significant victory in its two-year conflict with a rival armed group that has jeopardized the country's unity.
After facing setbacks for an extended period, the army has recently regained momentum, reclaiming territory from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in central Sudan.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have strengthened their grip on western Sudan, further entrenching battle lines and pushing the country toward a de facto partition. In the areas under its control, the RSF has established a parallel government, though it is unlikely to gain broad international recognition.
On Friday, just hours after the army’s announcement, the RSF claimed it remained near the presidential palace and had launched an attack that killed dozens of soldiers inside.
According to army sources, RSF fighters were positioned approximately 400 meters away. They also reported that the army had suffered a drone strike, resulting in the deaths of several soldiers, along with three journalists from state television.
"We continue to fight, drawing our perseverance and spirit from the Sudanese people and their support for the armed forces," said army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in a speech broadcast by Sudan’s state news agency.
The RSF had initially captured the presidential palace and much of Khartoum in April 2023 when war erupted over its planned integration into the national army.
The military shared footage of soldiers celebrating on the palace grounds, where shattered glass and bullet-riddled walls bore signs of intense combat. Images showed the building’s exterior, recently renovated, damaged by explosions.
Many Sudanese welcomed the army’s claim of victory.
"The liberation of the palace is the best news I've heard since the war began because it signals the army’s control over the rest of Khartoum," said Mohamed Ibrahim, a 55-year-old resident. "We want to feel safe again and live without fear or hunger."
Late Thursday, the RSF announced it had seized a key military base from the army in North Darfur, deepening the conflict in the western region.
The war has led to what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with famine spreading across multiple areas and disease afflicting Sudan’s 50 million people.
Both sides face accusations of war crimes, while the RSF has additionally been charged with genocide allegations both groups deny.
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