taz.de
Sudan's Army Reclaims Khartoum After Two Years of War
After almost two years of conflict, Sudan's army has retaken Khartoum from the RSF militia, marking a significant turning point in the war that displaced millions and caused a major humanitarian crisis; the RSF is retreating to Darfur and Kordofan.
- What is the immediate impact of the Sudanese army's recapture of Khartoum after nearly two years of conflict?
- Sudan's army has regained full control of Khartoum after nearly two years of war. The capital had been a warzone since April 15, 2023, when the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) rebelled. Millions fled the city, and two-thirds of Sudan's population now depends on humanitarian aid.
- What are the broader consequences of the RSF's rebellion, and how did it contribute to Sudan's humanitarian crisis?
- The army's victory marks a turning point in the conflict, which saw the RSF seize large swathes of fertile land and control much of Darfur. The conflict caused widespread destruction, displacement, and a humanitarian crisis. The RSF's February attempt to create a rival government backfired, increasing international resolve to isolate the militia.
- What are the long-term implications of this military victory, and how might it affect Sudan's future stability and humanitarian situation?
- The recapture of Khartoum could signal a shift in the war's trajectory, potentially leading to increased internal displacement as RSF members retreat. The long-term implications depend on the army's ability to consolidate power, address humanitarian needs, and prevent further violence against civilians. The mass graves discovered suggest widespread atrocities committed by both sides.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the army's victory and the liberation of Khartoum. The headline, if it existed (not provided in the text), likely would have mirrored this emphasis. The use of celebratory quotes like "Khartum is free!" sets a triumphant tone from the outset. The sequence of events highlights the army's advances and the RSF's retreat, reinforcing the narrative of a decisive military victory. This framing might overshadow the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the potential for future instability.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language at times. Terms like "befreit" (liberated) when describing Khartoum imply a sense of freedom that may not reflect the complex reality on the ground. The description of the RSF's actions as "verjagte Volksgruppen" (chased away ethnic groups) is also somewhat charged. More neutral phrasing could be employed to present a more balanced perspective. While acknowledging atrocities, the choice of words can still subtly influence the reader's perception.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the military's victory and the suffering caused by the RSF, but provides limited details on the RSF's motivations beyond preventing their disbandment. The perspectives of RSF fighters or civilians who supported them are largely absent, potentially leading to an incomplete understanding of the conflict's complexities. While acknowledging widespread atrocities committed by both sides, the article lacks detailed analysis of the root causes of the conflict, such as underlying political and economic grievances that may have fueled the fighting. The article also omits details of international involvement beyond mentioning growing international resolve to isolate the RSF.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified narrative of a clear victory for the army against the RSF. While acknowledging atrocities committed by both sides, it frames the conflict primarily as a struggle between the army and the RSF, potentially overlooking the roles of other actors and the complexities of Sudanese politics. The narrative focuses heavily on the military's restoration of control, potentially overshadowing the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the long-term challenges facing Sudan.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article mentions that the return of stability in some areas, such as Wad Madani, has led to the revival of markets and the reopening of banks, suggesting a potential improvement in economic activity and poverty reduction. The displacement of millions also directly relates to increased poverty and food insecurity.