Khartoum Cleared, But Sudanese Hearts Remain Divided: Army's Victory Against RSF Met With Cautious Optimism and Lingering Fear

Khartoum, Sudan – The Sudanese army (SAF) has declared victory in its campaign to oust the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from Khartoum, following weeks of intense fighting that left the capital city in ruins. While celebratory gunfire echoed through some neighborhoods on Tuesday, marking what the SAF is calling a “liberation,” reactions across Sudan are far from uniformly positive. A complex tapestry of cautious optimism, lingering fear, and deep-seated mistrust weaves through the nation’s response to this significant turning point in the ongoing conflict.

The SAF’s announcement follows a concerted offensive that reportedly pushed RSF fighters out of key government buildings and residential areas. State media broadcasts showed images of soldiers patrolling previously contested zones, showcasing damaged infrastructure and the lingering scars of battle. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the Sudanese army, addressed the nation in a televised speech, declaring the “successful conclusion” of the operation and promising to restore order and security.

However, independent verification of the SAF's claims remains difficult, with communication networks still largely disrupted and access for journalists restricted. Eyewitness accounts from various parts of Khartoum paint a more nuanced picture. While some residents expressed relief at the cessation of immediate fighting and the return of a semblance of order, others remain deeply skeptical.

“We are happy the shooting has stopped, for now,” said Fatima Ali, a resident of Bahri, a northern Khartoum suburb that witnessed some of the fiercest clashes. “But the fear is still there. We’ve seen too much violence, too much destruction. Until we see lasting peace, we won't truly celebrate.” Her sentiment mirrors the anxieties of many Sudanese who fear a return to violence or a prolonged period of instability.

The RSF, for their part, have not yet publicly conceded defeat. While their communications have been limited, sporadic reports suggest continued RSF presence in outlying areas of Khartoum and elsewhere in the country. This raises concerns about a potential protracted insurgency or a shifting of the conflict to other regions.

The mixed reactions are also deeply intertwined with Sudan’s long history of political instability and ethnic tensions. Many Sudanese remain wary of both the SAF and the RSF, viewing both as instruments of power that have historically contributed to the country’s suffering. The war has further exacerbated existing societal divisions, fueling mistrust between different communities and adding another layer of complexity to the already precarious situation.

Humanitarian agencies warn that the consequences of the conflict extend far beyond the immediate violence. Millions have been displaced, facing dire shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The destruction of infrastructure and the collapse of essential services have left the nation teetering on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe. The international community is under increasing pressure to provide substantial aid and support to help Sudan recover from the devastating impact of the war.

While the SAF's announcement marks a potential turning point in the conflict, it is far from a definitive end. The true extent of the RSF's withdrawal, the scale of the humanitarian crisis, and the prospects for lasting peace remain uncertain. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining whether Sudan can begin a path towards stability, or if the nation will continue to be engulfed by conflict and uncertainty.