Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, and its sister city Omdurman have been engulfed in violent clashes between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. The escalating conflict has claimed at least three lives and left dozens injured.
The fighting marks a significant setback for the country's already fragile transition to democracy, which has faced numerous delays due to heightened tensions between armed forces and rival factions such as the RSF. In response to these recent events, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other top diplomats have expressed their extreme concern over this outbreak of violence and warned that it could potentially escalate into a regional conflict if not addressed promptly.
According to reports from inside Khartoum, gunfire broke out as both sides struggled for control of key installations including Khartoum International Airport, presidential palace, army headquarters, and residence of Army Chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Special envoys from France, Germany, Norway; representatives from UK; US; EU have issued joint statements urging military leaders on both sides to reduce tensions immediately.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed these sentiments by calling for an immediate end to hostilities while emphasizing that there are still important issues requiring attention before moving forward with any agreed-upon political framework.
Despite international calls for peace negotiations on Friday night led by Ethiopian President Abiy Ahmed among others high-ranking officials around globe – Hemedti told Al Jazeera Saturday his forces would continue fighting until all military bases were captured within region leading observers fear further setbacks democratic process stalled since October 2021 coup attempt staged against transitional government structure established following ouster longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir April 2019 general elections scheduled later year remain uncertain amid growing instability throughout nation plagued ongoing conflicts Darfur South Kordofan Blue Nile regions addition economic hardships compounded impacts COVID-19 global pandemic.
The clashes between Sudan's military and RSF have further jeopardized hopes for a peaceful transition to democracy in the country. The sound of heavy firing could be heard throughout Saturday across Khartoum and Omdurman, where both forces had amassed troops since last year's coup attempt. Witnesses reported that fighters from both sides engaged in street battles using armored vehicles and machine guns mounted on pickup trucks. As the conflict intensifies, international leaders such as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken continue to express their concern over this rapidly deteriorating situation.
With tensions at an all-time high, Sudan faces an uncertain future with its political landscape undergoing a tumultuous period marked by violence and instability. It remains to be seen whether diplomatic efforts can bring about lasting peace or if fighting will escalate into a larger regional conflict with even more devastating consequences for the people of Sudan and neighboring countries alike.