The Sudanese military has regained control of the state broadcaster headquarters in Omdurman, marking a significant development in the ongoing 11-month civil strife with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF had maintained occupation of the headquarters since the conflict’s inception, but now jubilant soldiers are seen celebrating outside. This protracted conflict has resulted in the displacement of eight million people, exacerbating concerns about widespread hunger. The military leadership lauds this event as a “major triumph.”
Despite the RSF’s occupation of the building since last April, they were unable to utilize it for broadcasting purposes, as state television continued airing pro-army content from alternative locations within the country.
Since the outbreak of hostilities, the army and RSF have been locked in a struggle for control over Khartoum and its environs. Despite calls from the United Nations Security Council for a ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan, intense clashes persist in various parts of the capital.
The conflict erupted last April due to a disagreement between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the army, and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, regarding an internationally supported political initiative aimed at transitioning towards civilian governance.
In addition to causing the displacement of millions, the conflict has inflicted extensive damage on Khartoum, precipitated a humanitarian catastrophe, and sparked ethnically motivated violence in Darfur, located in the western region of the country.
