Sudan army makes huge gains as it seeks to recapture war-torn capital

In the heart of Khartoum, a city that has seen both the rise and fall of numerous regimes, the Sudanese army is once again asserting its dominance. Recent weeks have seen significant military gains against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to a pivotal moment in Sudan's ongoing civil strife. As we move into the night of February 9, 2025, the implications of these developments are profound, not only for the immediate future of Khartoum but for the entire nation of Sudan.

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The Sudanese army, under the command of Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has managed to push back the RSF from strategic positions within the capital. Utilizing superior air power and well-coordinated ground forces, the army has regained control over key areas, including the vicinity of the presidential palace. This tactical advantage has come at a time when the RSF, previously holding sway over much of western Sudan, particularly Darfur, has been forced into a defensive retreat. 

This military momentum has prompted al-Burhan to announce plans for forming a "caretaker government," described as technocratic and aimed at achieving the military's strategic objectives. This move towards establishing a new government implies a significant political realignment, sidelining previous attempts at a civilian-military partnership which had been part of Sudan's transitional process post-Omar al-Bashir. The proposed government would be a wartime administration, focusing on stabilizing the regions under army control and possibly extending its influence further.

However, this shift does not come without its controversies. To facilitate this new government, changes to Sudan's interim constitution are on the table, notably the elimination of clauses that acknowledged partnership with civilians or the RSF. This amendment would solidify the army's unilateral authority, a move that could either stabilize or further polarize the political landscape. Critics argue this could lead to a more authoritarian regime, while supporters might see it as necessary for national security in these turbulent times.

The conflict's human toll has been staggering, with over 12 million people displaced and half of Sudan's population facing hunger. The humanitarian crisis has intensified, with the international community watching closely. Al-Burhan has notably rejected calls for a Ramadan ceasefire unless the RSF ceases its operations in Darfur, highlighting the deep-seated animosity and strategic considerations at play. The refusal to pause hostilities even during a traditionally sacred time underscores the severity of the conflict.

Politically, al-Burhan's strategy extends beyond the battlefield. He has reached out to members of the civilian Taqadum coalition, urging them to denounce the RSF. This outreach is a calculated move to isolate the RSF politically, offering a path back to influence for those willing to align with the military's vision. This political maneuvering could reshape alliances within Sudan, potentially drawing more civilian support to the military's side or further fracturing an already divided societal fabric.

The implications of these developments are profound. For one, the concentration of power in military hands could mean a departure from the democratic aspirations that followed the ousting of al-Bashir in 2019. It could also lead to a more centralized control over Sudan's resources and governance, possibly at the expense of regional autonomy, particularly in areas like Darfur where the RSF has been influential.

Internationally, Sudan's neighbors and global powers will be watching these shifts with keen interest. The stability of Sudan affects regional security, migration patterns, and the broader geopolitical chessboard of the Horn of Africa. There's also the matter of economic interests, with Sudan's potential in agriculture, oil, and minerals being significant.

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For the Sudanese populace, the immediate concern remains survival amidst conflict. The humanitarian crisis demands urgent international attention, with aid organizations needing safe passage and resources to mitigate the suffering. 

As we stand on this February night in 2025, the future of Sudan hangs in the balance. Whether this military resurgence leads to a stable, albeit autocratic, state or plunges the country into further chaos remains to be seen. What is clear is that the narrative of Sudan's governance, its path to peace, and its societal structure is being rewritten in the sands of Khartoum, with each military advance and political decree.