Explosions shook Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, as violence between the regular army and paramilitaries persisted for a third consecutive day, leaving the death toll at around 100.
The conflict ensued after a power struggle between Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and his deputy, Mohammad Hamdan Daglo, the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) who were initially established as a counter-insurgency militia.
The RSF’s integration within the regular army had been a core feature of an agreement aimed at resolving the 2021 military coup undertaken jointly by Al-Burhan and Daglo.
Media Reports indicate that hundreds of individuals were injured during the clashes and with difficulties in transportation experienced by the wounded, the actual number of casualties might be higher than the declared death toll of 97 civilian fatalities.
The violence has provoked an international outcry, with calls for an immediate end to the conflict and for peaceful discussions to be initiated.
The borders of Egypt and Chad have been closed. Despite the decision to open safe paths, heavy gunfire could still be heard near the airport, and fighting continues.
Mutual Accusations
Sudan is on edge as clashes between the army and paramilitary forces have left residents sheltering in their homes with fears of a prolonged conflict that could push the country into deeper turmoil.
Both sides have blamed each other since Saturday, claiming control of key sites, including the airport and the presidential palace.
The violence has spilled over into other parts of Sudan, including the western Darfur region and the eastern border state of Kassala.
The World Food Programme (WFP) suspended all operations in the country after the killing of three of its staff in North Darfur on Saturday.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for accountability and Volker Perthes, UN special envoy for Sudan, expressed shock at the reports of shelling and looting impacting UN and other humanitarian facilities.
Medics have appealed for safe corridors for ambulances and a ceasefire to treat the victims, as the streets are too dangerous to transport casualties to hospitals.
The violence stems from deep-seated divisions between the regular army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group created in 2013 under former President Omar Al-Bashir.
Despite widespread calls for a ceasefire, the leaders of the two factions have not shown any interest in talks.
The situation has begun to ease somewhat since the Sudanese Army and the RSF agreed to open temporary safe humanitarian corridors on Sunday to allow assistance to reach the wounded. Nevertheless, the situation remains tense, and Sudan remains uncertain of its future.
Calls to Stop Fighting
US and UK leaders have demanded an “immediate cessation” of violence in Sudan, amid concerns for civilian lives and the security of the nation and wider region.
The call was made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK counterpart James Cleverly at the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting.
Additional discussions with allies in Africa and the Middle East centered on the need for Sudan’s generals to protect non-combatants and third-party nationals. These parties also agreed on the necessity for an immediate ceasefire and resumed negotiations.
The weight of the crisis also prompted calls for mediation from Egypt, while Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan bin Al-Saud urged an end to the violence in separate phone calls with Sudanese leaders. Meanwhile, efforts to reconcile warring Sudanese groups through a meeting of Kenyan, South Sudanese, and Djibouti presidents were organized by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.
Source: Agencies and Al-Manar English Website
