Escalating Clashes in Sudan: Violence Expected Nationwide as Fighting Persists

Escalating Clashes in Sudan: Violence Expected Nationwide as Fighting Persists

Description: Stay informed about the escalating clashes in Sudan as violence continues to spread nationwide. Get updates on the ongoing conflict between rival factions and its impact on Sudanese cities, transportation, and essential services. Stay updated with Crisis24's assessment and ARAC International's commitment to international security and public safety.

Date: July 1, 2023

Source: Crisis24

Further clashes between rival factions are anticipated across Sudan in the coming days as violence continues to escalate, according to a recent report by Crisis24. The ongoing conflict, as of June 30, has resulted in intensified fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Crisis24's assessment highlights the likelihood of further violence, particularly in the capital city of Khartoum.

Since the recent ceasefire expired, renewed conflicts have been reported in multiple regions, including Khartoum, Omdurman (a neighboring city), South Kordofan State, and the Darfur region. In addition, rising inter-communal violence has contributed to the deterioration of the security situation in Darfur. Several locations within the capital have witnessed airstrikes, explosions, and heavy machine gunfire, notably in the vicinity of Khartoum International Airport.

The report emphasizes the limited availability of vital resources such as food, water, medicine, and fuel, which has led to severe shortages across the nation, including in Khartoum. Furthermore, Sudan has experienced widespread disruptions in internet and mobile phone services, exacerbating the challenges faced by the population.

According to Crisis24's data, the conflict that began in mid-April has claimed the lives of approximately 2,800 people and left around 11,714 others wounded. Moreover, over 2.2 million people have been internally displaced, and an additional 645,000 individuals have fled Sudan since the outbreak of violence.

In response to the ongoing turmoil, Sudanese officials have maintained the closure of the nation's airspace, allowing only aid and evacuation flights. There is a possibility of an extension of the airspace closure beyond its current expiration date. Additionally, Chad has closed its land border with Sudan until further notice due to the violence. While no formal measures have been taken by other neighboring countries, land borders are likely to be subject to heightened surveillance. Reports suggest that thousands of people have already crossed into Libya, Chad, the Central African Republic (CAR), South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt to escape the violence.

The situation in Khartoum remains highly volatile, with large contested areas including the city center near Khartoum International Airport, the Presidential Palace, and the Army Command. It is unclear which side has control over critical infrastructure and military installations. Power outages and water shortages have been reported in several areas, and most hospitals are either closed or operating at reduced capacity due to damage and lack of supplies.

Despite authorities deploying additional police to combat criminal incidents, including looting, home invasions, assaults, and carjackings, such incidents persist in the Khartoum area. Artillery fire and criminal elements have also targeted evacuation convoys and civilians fleeing the city.

Clashes have been reported nationwide, spanning regions such as El Obeid, Ad-Damazin, El Fasher, Geneina, El Obeid, Merowe, Nyala, and Port Sudan. Of particular concern is the deteriorating security situation in West Darfur, where escalating communal tensions pose a significant risk. Heavy clashes between rival tribes have resulted in unspecified civilian casualties in Geneina, Nyala, and Zalingei. The extent of involvement by SAF or RSF forces in these incidents remains unclear. Meanwhile, Red Sea State has enforced a state of emergency until at least August 30, accompanied by a nightly curfew from 23:00 to 05:00. The status of previously active states of emergency in Gedarif, South Kordofan, and West Darfur is uncertain.

Expectations suggest that rival security forces will continue to be deployed nationwide, particularly near military bases, government buildings, telecommunications centers, and strategic transport nodes. Further state-of-emergency declarations and disruptions to road travel, airports, border crossings, internet and mobile phone services, and access to essential goods are anticipated. Local authorities may also impose curfews.

Crisis24 provides the context that the clashes, which commenced on April 15, have arisen from persistent tensions between the RSF and SAF. Both factions blame each other for initiating the violence. The RSF, previously known as Janjaweed militias, was initially organized by former President Omar Bashir in 2003 to suppress an uprising in Darfur. Over the years, the RSF evolved into a separate paramilitary organization with its leaders holding military ranks. The recent clashes between the SAF and RSF reflect a power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan's de facto ruler, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), the leader of the RSF. Their dispute includes differing views on integrating the RSF into the SAF, a move that would result in Hemedti relinquishing control over his forces.

Tensions between the two leaders escalated after the signing of a deal in December to resolve the impasse between security and political elites. The agreement aimed to establish a transitional civilian government by early April. However, disagreements over the integration of the RSF into the military hampered the implementation of the deal.

ARAC International expresses its commitment to international security and public safety. The organization is closely monitoring the situation in Sudan, given its regional and global impacts. As developments unfold, ARAC International will continue to provide up-to-date information to its partners and the NGO international community.

For further details and updates, please refer to Crisis24's official alert on Sudan: [Crisis24 Sudan Alert](https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2023/06/sudan-further-clashes-between-rival-factions-likely-nationwide-in-the-coming-days-as-fighting-continues-as-of-june-30-update-34).