Violence between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, continued for the fourth day on Tuesday, with almost 200 people killed as gunfire and explosions intensified in severity.
The violent power tussle between the country’s two most prominent generals, army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan’s de facto leader, and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has escalated violence in the country and generated worries of a regional confrontation.
Only 18 months before, both commanders organized a military coup to undermine Sudan’s democratic transition.
But, as part of preparations to restore civilian governance, they are currently arguing over how the RSF will be absorbed into the military and who would have final control over fighters and weaponry.
They claimed to have made advances in the battle for Khartoum on Monday, as smoke lingered over the city and civilians reported hearing airstrikes, artillery fire, and shooting that disrupted essential services and damaged hospitals.
While diplomatic efforts to end the conflict intensify, with the African Union and Arab States pushing for a cease-fire, neither side has demonstrated a readiness to compromise.
The United Nations Security Council was scheduled to meet on Monday to examine the situation, and its Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has sharply condemned the outbreak of violence.
“I appeal to the leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to immediately cease hostilities, restore calm, and begin a dialogue to resolve the crisis,” he said.
“The situation has already led to horrendous loss of life, including many civilians. Any further escalation could be devastating for the country and the region.”
African leaders speak out
African leaders have been reacting differently, calling for an end to the fighting.
Yoweri Museveni has said it is of the utmost importance to cease the hostilities and “stop the tragedy and mockery of Africa.”
Kenya’s William Ruto has asked regional leaders to take a firm position to restore peace in Khartoum. He added that they are planning to evacuate 3000 nationals stuck in Sudan.
“The clashes contradict the long-standing and deep-rooted Sudanese norms and values,” said Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia.
Egypt, which backs Sudan’s military, as well as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which built close ties with the RSF while sending thousands of fighters to help the Yemen war, have all called for both sides to stand down.
Attacks of Foreign Diplomats
Meanwhile, a US diplomatic convoy was targeted in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, on Monday, according to Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, on the same day that the European Union’s ambassador to the African nation was attacked, indicating a deteriorating security situation.
“All of our people are safe,” Mr. Blinken made the remarks during a press conference on Tuesday in Karuizawa, Japan, where he is attending a Group of Seven meeting.
Mr. Blinken stated that the attack was still being investigated, but that preliminary information suggested that the attackers were affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group.
“We will continue to track this very closely and very carefully,” Mr. Blinken explained.
Mimi Mefo Info
