**Sudanese Army Advances Amidst Capital Conflict and Darfur Struggles**

As fighting intensifies between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the battle for control over Khartoum and the contested state of North Darfur has entered a critical phase. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has seen the RSF establishing dominance over much of Khartoum. However, the Sudanese army recently launched a significant offensive to reclaim the capital.

Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo's RSF has been accused of looting homes and warehouses in Khartoum, with allegations of severe human rights abuses, including sexual violence against women and the arbitrary detention of men. Civilians have been caught in the crossfire, with reports indicating that the RSF has killed families who resisted handing over their daughters and other possessions.

On September 26, the Sudanese army commenced a major operation to reclaim territory in the capital. Local sources and reporters confirm that the army has managed to recapture key areas, including three strategic bridges, notably Halfaya. This victory enabled them to break the RSF's siege on military installations in the Kadroo neighborhood. Many residents have welcomed the army's presence, viewing them as liberators restoring some stability.

However, reports from sources such as the United Nations and local monitors indicate that the advancing army has been carrying out summary executions of individuals they suspect of RSF affiliations. These accounts have been corroborated by Sudan expert Hamid Khalafallah, despite the Sudanese Armed Forces remaining tight-lipped about these allegations.

According to Suliman Baldo, executive director of the Sudan Transparency and Policy Tracker think-tank, the army's control of Khartoum could provide a morale boost and serve as leverage in potential peace talks. Yet, despite these advances, Khalafallah notes that the army is still far from fully controlling the city.

The conflict extends beyond Khartoum, as fierce battles continue in el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. Despite the RSF controlling four out of the five Darfur states, North Darfur remains a stronghold of resistance. About 700,000 internally displaced people in North Darfur are at severe risk, with the RSF's five-month siege on el-Fasher exacerbating humanitarian crises, including famine and forced recruitment of boys into armed groups.

Experts suggest that the outcome of the battle for Khartoum could set the tone for the war in Sudan. Should the army succeed, it might shift its focus to destabilizing the RSF in Darfur, where the paramilitary enjoys significant support from its "Arab" tribal base.

The war in Sudan continues to inflict immense suffering on civilians, with both sides facing accusations of human rights violations. As the battle rages on, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that could bring peace and stability to the troubled nation.