The war in Sudan appears to be reaching a critical juncture after nearly two years of fighting that has killed tens of thousands, driven millions from their homes and spread famine.

Sudan, which has been in the grip of a two-year-old war between the army and a paramilitary group, has a history of civil wars, military takeovers and rebellions. The Sudanese army said on Friday it had gained full control of the Presidential Palace in Khartoum,