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Sudan's Civil War Reaches a Critical Juncture in Khartoum

Two years into conflict, the Sudanese military intensifies efforts to capture the presidential palace amidst civilian peril.

By Declan Walsh and Ivor PrickettSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Sudan's Civil War Reaches a Critical Juncture in Khartoum
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

As the civil war in Sudan nears its third year, intense military operations are occurring in Khartoum, where the Sudanese Armed Forces are advancing on the presidential palace. This illustrates a pivotal moment in the conflict, with rampant danger for trapped civilians.

March 21, 2025 - In a significant escalation of the ongoing civil war in Sudan, military forces have positioned themselves dangerously close to the presidential palace in Khartoum. Video evidence reveals that troops are situated just 500 yards from the heavily contested compound, which is currently under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.), a formidable paramilitary group opposing the army. This maneuver could mark a turning point in the war that erupted in April 2023, as the Sudanese army seeks to reclaim territory lost to the R.S.F.Sgt. Maj. Ismail Hassan, commanding a sniper unit, is actively monitoring the movements of the R.S.F. across the Blue Nile. This latest military strategy includes a surprise ambush on an R.S.F. convoy just south of the palace, a tactic signifying an increase in aggression from the army. Gunfire and explosions have resonated across the capital throughout the day, amplifying fears for the civilian population caught in the conflict's crossfire.The R.S.F., led by Lt. Gen. Mohamed Hamdan, remains resolute, with Hamdan declaring in a recent address that they will not vacate the palace. This unwavering determination emphasizes the intensity of the ongoing battles and the precarious situation for those trapped in Khartoum, grappling with the apocalyptic atmosphere as fighting escalates.

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