Sudan’s military has recaptured the Republican Palace in the capital, Khartoum, pushing rival paramilitary forces out of one of the country’s most important political landmarks.
The historic building, once the seat of power in Sudan, had been under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since the civil conflict erupted in April 2023. Its recovery marks a critical moment in a war that has displaced millions and killed over 28,000 people.
For many Sudanese, the return of the palace means hope. Hope that the tide may finally be turning in a brutal war that has reduced parts of the country to famine-stricken ruins. “Today the flag is raised, the palace is back and the journey continues until victory is complete,” wrote Information Minister Khaled al-Aiser on X (formerly Twitter).
The Republican Palace lies along the Nile River and has long stood as a symbol of Sudanese sovereignty. It featured prominently on the nation’s currency and stamps, and was where Sudan’s first independent flag was hoisted in 1956. Its partial destruction—evident in videos showing shattered tiles and crumbling interiors—tells the story of a nation ravaged by internal strife.
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In a video circulating online, a Sudanese army officer confirmed the palace’s liberation on the 21st day of Ramadan, describing the moment as a divine triumph. Soldiers with rocket launchers and rifles chanted “God is the greatest!” as they surveyed the compound.
The military, led by General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, has made notable gains in recent months. After seizing a vital refinery north of Khartoum and surrounding RSF strongholds, this latest victory is a major blow to the RSF, commanded by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. Although RSF has not acknowledged the loss, their recent claims of capturing al-Maliha in North Darfur suggest the conflict is far from over.
The war, now approaching its second year, has devastated Sudan. The U.N. has called it the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Over 10 million people have been displaced, and survivors face starvation and disease. Some families have reportedly resorted to eating grass to stay alive.
While both factions have been accused of severe human rights abuses, the U.S. recently declared that the RSF’s actions amount to genocide. The group has deep roots in the Janjaweed militias accused of war crimes during the Darfur genocide in the early 2000s.
The recapture of the Republican Palace may not end the war, but it is a significant psychological and military milestone.
