In brief
Recent military advances lead to concerns about civilian safety and rising humanitarian crises.
The Sudanese army has recently reported significant progress in its efforts to reclaim the war-stricken capital, Khartoum. Residents in the area, where clashes between the army and RSF paramilitaries have intensified, are expressing both hope for an end to the conflict and fear for their safety. A local doctor, using the alias Mustafa, described the ongoing violence as “heavy,” with shrapnel threatening everyday life.The army has successfully retaken key locations this week, including the mint where currency is produced. However, the RSF continues to maintain control over crucial parts of central Khartoum, and although the Sudanese military boasts territorial gains across the broader region, the RSF's presence remains a formidable challenge. Army leader Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has declared a determination to eliminate RSF forces from Khartoum, expressing optimism after regaining control of the vital Gezira state.The ongoing conflict, which began nearly two years ago between Gen. Burhan and former deputy Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo of the RSF, has wreaked havoc across Sudan. Over 12 million individuals have been displaced, with tens of thousands of civilians reportedly killed. The humanitarian crisis is among the worst globally, as both military factions face accusations of horrific atrocities, including genocide.In the areas recently reclaimed by the army, many residents have welcomed the military's return, citing the RSF's alleged crimes of murder, sexual violence, and widespread looting during their occupation. Conversely, the RSF has dismissed reports of the army's gains as falsehoods, a stance they have maintained repeatedly amid setbacks.Analysts attribute the army's recent successes to increased recruitment efforts and additional weaponry, alongside strategic victories such as recapturing crucial military installations. However, the army's return to certain towns is marred by concerning reports of retribution against perceived collaborators with the RSF, raising fears among civilians of arbitrary violence.Civilians expressing concerns about the army's approach have shared personal narratives, emphasizing the blurring line between survival and collaboration in war. As the army edges closer to their neighborhoods, residents like Amir worry for loved ones who have faced pressure from armed groups. For now, both Mustafa and Amir find themselves caught in a waiting game as the fate of Sudan hangs precariously in the balance.
