As Sudan’s military leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan declares Khartoum ‘free’, the country teeters on the brink of liberation after two years of brutal conflict, with the international community watching anxiously for a peaceful resolution.
After two years of brutal conflict, government troops in Sudan have made significant gains in control over the capital city, ‘Khartoum is free’ , marking a small step towards ending the ongoing civil war.
Located in northeastern Africa, Sudan is a vast country with a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations.
The country has been home to various cultures, including the Nubians, who built impressive pyramids along the Nile River.
Sudan's strategic location made it an important hub for trade and commerce between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Today, 'continues to be shaped by its complex past,' with a blend of traditional and modern influences.
The declaration was made at the presidential palace earlier in the day, before General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan arrived at the city’s airport to celebrate with troops. The Sudanese military reported taking control of Khartoum International Airport and a key RSF base in the city, further solidifying government advances against the RSF rebels who captured the capital in April 2023.
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is a Sudanese army general and politician who has been involved in the country's military and politics for several decades.
Born in 1960, al-Burhan graduated from the Sudanese Military Academy and later attended the Egyptian War College.
He held various senior positions within the Sudanese Armed Forces before becoming the Chief of Staff in 2018.
In April 2021, he led a military coup that overthrew the transitional government in Sudan, assuming the position of Chairman of the Sovereignty Council.
However, despite these gains, the war is far from over. RSF fighters still control large swaths of land across the country, particularly in the western ‘Darfur region’ . Observers fear a stand-off that could result in a partitioning of the country, which would be devastating for Sudan’s citizens.
The situation in Sudan has been described as the ‘world’s worst humanitarian crisis’ by the UN, with fighting, widespread famine, and disease forcing over 12.5 million people to flee their homes. The estimated death tolls range from 60,000 to 150,000, highlighting the dire consequences of the ongoing conflict.
The roots of Sudan’s civil war date back to 2019, when the country transitioned to democracy. The ‘Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group created by former dictator ‘Omar al-Bashir‘, fought alongside government forces against Bashir in Darfur. After Bashir was ousted, the RSF and army joined forces again, leading to a coup that derailed Sudan’s democratic transition.
Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir is a Sudanese politician who served as the President of Sudan from 1993 to 2019.
Born on January 1, 1944, in Hosh Bannaga, he rose through the ranks of the Sudanese army and seized power in a military coup in 1989.
Al-Bashir's rule was marked by human rights abuses, corruption, and economic stagnation.
He was ousted in April 2019 following widespread protests against his government.
The RSF has been accused of receiving support from the ‘United Arab Emirates via neighboring Chad‘ , although all three countries deny this. Experts and diplomats have long contended that the RSF is a key player in the ongoing conflict, and its influence must be addressed if peace is to be achieved.
As the situation in Sudan continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Sudan’s citizens are paying a heavy price for the ongoing conflict. The international community must remain vigilant and work towards a peaceful resolution that addresses the root causes of the crisis.
