KHARTOUM, Sudan — The Sudanese army recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Friday after nearly two years of conflict. Army spokesperson Nabil Abdallah announced the victory on state TV, stating that troops seized the palace and nearby ministry buildings, destroyed RSF fighters and equipment, and took weapons. The takeover followed intense fighting in central Khartoum.
Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan’s army chief and de facto president, said, “There will be no negotiations until these people are no more.” Soldiers celebrated at the palace entrance, cheering and praying, as seen in social media posts. Residents expressed relief, saying they feel safer after RSF control, which brought accusations of looting and abuses.
The RSF claimed its fighters remain nearby and launched a drone strike on the palace, killing several, including state TV journalists and army media officers. The group controls southern Khartoum areas and parts of the airport. The war, started in April 2023, has displaced 12 million and left millions hungry. The army has gained ground in central Sudan, but the RSF holds western Darfur. RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo vowed to keep fighting.
