Sudan’s army Commander-in-Chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, declared that “Khartoum is free” after his forces regained control of the capital’s international airport from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Wednesday.

According to the BBC, General al-Burhan arrived shortly after the army’s strategic victory and visited the presidential palace. He was greeted by jubilant members of the military, who celebrated what they called the liberation of the capital from RSF control. “Khartoum is free, it’s over,” al-Burhan announced to the gathered troops.

The RSF had seized control of Khartoum at the outbreak of the civil war in April 2023, forcing the military-led government to relocate its seat of power to Port Sudan on the Red Sea. Earlier, a senior military commander told the BBC that the armed forces had secured the international airport and were working to eliminate the remaining RSF fighters in the area.

On Friday , the Sudanese army expanded its control over Khartoum, retaking the presidential palace along with other key government institutions previously under RSF control. Since the conflict erupted, RSF forces had maintained a stronghold over most of the capital.

The civil war, which has ravaged Sudan for nearly two years, has had devastating consequences. Hundreds of thousands have lost their lives, and millions have been displaced. A military spokesperson confirmed that the armed forces have also regained control of critical bridges across the Nile River, reconnecting key areas, including Jebel Awliya in southern Khartoum.

Videos circulating on social media show residents in central Khartoum celebrating the Sudan army’s entry into the city and the perceived end of RSF dominance. However, those who remained in the capital during the conflict have endured widespread looting by RSF forces, as well as significant hardship.

Khartoum remains a critical area where the United Nations has reported an impending famine, exacerbated by the looting of markets and obstruction of humanitarian aid by both warring parties. Human rights groups have also launched investigations into reports of sexual violence and other human rights abuses in the city.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army are facing accusations of indiscriminately targeting civilians during the conflict. While the recapture of Khartoum is being hailed as a major strategic victory for the Sudanese army, analysts warn that the conflict is far from over. The RSF continues to maintain control over the entire Darfur region in western Sudan, underscoring the ongoing complexity and uncertainty of the war.