Heavy fighting erupted in Sudan's capital, Khartoum on Saturday, leaving at least 56 civilians dead and forcing residents to seek shelter in their homes. The conflict between the two top generals of the armed forces has escalated into a full-scale battle involving gun- and artillery fire as well as the participation of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a state-sponsored militia. With clashes raging for a second day, many civilians are seeking refuge while tensions continue to rise.
The battles pit General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan's Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo's RSF. Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, has served as Burhan’s deputy head of state. After fighting erupted, Hemedti reportedly stated that Burhan will be captured or he will die like a dog. In response to this provocation and despite ongoing violence, Burhan issued an empty decree commanding the RSF to disband.
The rival forces are currently battling for control over key locations within Khartoum including the presidential palace, army headquarters,state television station and airport. Footage circulating on social media showcases various scenes of combat with multiple commercial aircraft ablaze.
This recent political upheaval follows numerous events such as protests against bread prices; peace agreements with rebel groups; removal from international lists labelling it state sponsors of terrorism; and suspension of most international financial support due to acute food insecurity warned by U.N World Food Programme - factors which include economic crises alongside political turmoil.
A long-standing dispute between these factions exploded in April earlier this year resulting in dozens killed and hundreds injured. This devastating turn jeopardized plans for power-sharing government arrangements intended towards democratic elections ultimately aiming at restoring billions worth frozen foreign aid.
As unrest continues throughout Sudan following coup attempts sparking deadly crackdowns by security forces, the hope for a swift transition to democracy is quickly dwindling. Western powers alongside Russia and China have vested interests in Sudan's strategic Red Sea coastline as well as mineral resources.
Sudanese citizens such as Amina Khalid, a 34-year-old mother of two living in Khartoum said: "We are terrified by what is happening around us. We just want peace and stability for our children."
In response to the crisis, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate cessation of hostilities stating that "the priority must be on restoring calm and ensuring the safety and security of all Sudanese."