The United Nations special representative for Sudan, Volker Perthes, has reported that at least 185 people have been killed and 1,800 injured in three days of fighting between rival factions in Sudan. The violence, which erupted over the weekend, involves clashes between the army and paramilitary forces led by rival generals, threatening to plunge Sudan into deeper chaos and raising fears of civil war.
The power struggle pits General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the commander of the armed forces, against General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the head of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group. The two generals were formerly allies and jointly orchestrated a military coup in October 2021. However, bitter disagreements between them over the integration of the RSF into the regular army, a key condition for a final deal aimed at ending the crisis since the coup, has led to violent clashes between their forces.
The violence has trapped millions of people in their homes or wherever they can find shelter, with supplies running low in many areas. Reports indicate that hospitals in Khartoum and other cities have been heavily damaged or rendered completely out of service, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The World Health Organization has warned that several of Khartoum’s hospitals receiving injured civilians have run out of vital supplies, including blood, transfusion equipment, and intravenous fluids.
The situation remains highly fluid, with both sides claiming control of key sites, including the airport and the presidential palace, although these claims cannot be independently verified due to the ongoing fighting. The airspace and borders are closed, making it dangerous for diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire to take place. International players, including the United Nations, African Union, regional grouping IGAD, and the Arab League, are being relied upon to exert pressure on the warring parties to immediately cease hostilities and seek peaceful resolution through mediation. However, progress has been limited so far, and the violence continues unabated.
The violence comes at a crucial time for Sudan, as the country was trying to revive the drive for a democratic, civilian government after decades of military rule. The 2021 coup disrupted the path towards civilian rule, and the current clashes between rival factions threaten to further derail those efforts. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has called on Sudan’s warring parties to immediately cease hostilities and warned that further escalation could be devastating for the country and the region. The White House has also called for an immediate ceasefire and deplored the escalating violence in Sudan.
As the violence persists, ordinary Sudanese civilians are caught in the crossfire and face immense suffering and uncertainty. Many have been forced to stay locked in their homes, unable to move freely or access necessary supplies. The situation is dire and requires urgent attention and action from the international community to prevent further loss of life and bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Sudan’s people deserve a chance at a better future, and it is imperative that all parties involved prioritize the well-being and safety of civilians and work towards a peaceful and sustainable solution to the crisis.
