Deadly clashes in Sudan: 60 civilians killed.
The clashes that started this Saturday, April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have already caused the death of 60 civilians, according to a new report released today by the Sudan Doctors' Union. The previous balance sheet pointed to 26 dead and 103 wounded.
The same source added that there are dozens of deaths among the security forces. Deaths occurred across the country, including in the capital Khartoum and Omdurman, the Sudan Doctors Union said.
Three UN personnel in Sudan have died in Darfur amid clashes between the army and paramilitary forces, according to the head of the UN mission in the country, Volker Perthes.
The UN Food Program has announced the temporary suspension of all operations in Sudan due to the security situation.
The violence comes after months of rising tensions between the armed forces and RSF paramilitary forces that were preceded by years of political unrest since the country's October 2021 military coup. This leads to fears of a wider conflict, as the fighting continues.
shaky democratic transition
The fighting strikes a new blow in hopes of a transition to democracy. The clashes followed months of increased tensions between the Armed Forces of Sudan and the RSF, which had already delayed an agreement with political parties for the country to return to the short transition to democracy, which was derailed with a military coup in October 2021. .
Fighting broke out earlier in the day. Witnesses said both sides fired from armored vehicles and from truck-mounted machine guns in densely populated areas. Some tanks were seen in Khartoum. The military said it had launched attacks from planes and drones on RSF positions in and around the capital.
As night fell, residents said they could still hear the sounds of gunfire and explosions in different parts of Khartoum, including around military headquarters and other bases. One of the strongest points of the confrontations was the International Airport of Khartoum.
There was no formal announcement that the airport was closed, but major airlines suspended flights.
Tensions between military factions
The growing tension between the Sudanese Army and the RSF has its roots in the power struggle that followed the fall of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemeti, were initially allied with the Sudanese Army in removing al-Bashir from power. However, since then, the relationship between the two factions has deteriorated.
RSF is widely known for its human rights abuses and its involvement in violent conflicts in Darfur, in western Sudan. RSF's growing influence in the Sudanese government has been a matter of concern both nationally and internationally.
The recent worsening of violence in Sudan puts the already fragile process of democratic transition in the country at risk and increases the possibility of an escalation of the conflict. The region's stability and Sudan's future as a democratic state depend on the rival factions' ability to find a peaceful and inclusive solution to their disputes.
Sudan needs a national unity government that includes all stakeholders and works together to address the economic, social and political challenges facing the country. The international community must continue to support peace efforts and the democratic transition in Sudan, ensuring that human rights and the rule of law are respected.
The escalation of the crisis in Sudan
These clashes took place just two days after the army warned that the country was going through a “dangerous situation” that could lead to an armed conflict, after mobilizations of RSF units in the Sudanese capital and in other cities, without the consent or coordination of the forces. armed.
The mobilizations took place during negotiations to reach a political agreement that would put an end to the 2021 revolt. The signing of the pact has already been postponed twice due to tensions between the army and the RSF.
The RSF emerged from the Janjaweed militias, accused of committing crimes against humanity during the Darfur conflict (2003-2008), according to the EFE news agency.
In this context of violence, three United Nations employees in Sudan died in the troubled region of Darfur, in the midst of clashes between the Army and paramilitary forces, as reported on Sunday by the head of the UN mission in the country, Volker Perthes.
"Three World Food Program (WFP) staff have died in clashes that erupted in Kabkabiya, North Darfur," Perthes said in a statement.
He also expressed “extreme concern” with “reports of shells hitting UN facilities” during the fighting.
WFP officials were killed near Chad, which closed the border with Sudan because of the violence. Perthes reported that “humanitarian [service] buildings were hit and others looted in Darfur,” a historic stronghold of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
In response to the situation, the UN Food Program announced the temporary suspension of operations in areas affected by the clashes in North Darfur. The organization stressed that this measure makes it difficult to distribute humanitarian aid to hundreds of thousands of people who depend on this support.
In addition, the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) calls on all parties involved in conflicts in the country to guarantee the safety of humanitarian workers and allow unconditional access to humanitarian aid.
internal refugees
The increase in violence in Sudan has led to a growing number of internally displaced people. Many civilians, fearing further clashes and instability in the country, seek refuge in neighboring areas and in camps for internally displaced people. The already precarious humanitarian situation could deteriorate further if the violence continues.
Human rights organizations and international entities express concern about the escalation of clashes in Sudan and urge the parties involved to seek a peaceful solution to the crisis. The international community fears that the situation in the country could escalate into a protracted civil war, with devastating consequences for the population and the region.
Instability in Sudan, in addition to directly affecting the Sudanese, could also have repercussions in the Horn of Africa region and other nearby areas, generating an influx of refugees and regional instability.
Faced with this scenario, international and regional leaders have called for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations between the conflicting parties. It is critical that Sudan finds a way back to stability and transition to democracy in order to ensure peace and prosperity for its people and contribute to regional stability.
International reactions and calls for peace
The international community, and China in particular, has been following developments in Sudan closely and has called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to political dialogue. The African Union, the European Union, major Arab states and the United States issued statements condemning the violence and calling on the warring parties to resolve their differences peacefully.
China, which also accompanies with “great attention” the situation in Sudan, urges the two parties to “reach a ceasefire and prevent the situation from worsening”, according to a statement released today by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also expressed his concern over the situation in Sudan and called on the parties concerned to:
"Immediately cease all hostilities, protect civilians and resume inclusive political dialogue to resolve the crisis."
The ongoing violence in Sudan has a significant impact on the civilian population, which already faces a number of challenges, including poverty, lack of basic infrastructure and limited access to health and education services.
The international community has been working to provide essential humanitarian assistance to people affected by the fighting, but insecurity and access restrictions have made it difficult to deliver aid.
Organizations like International Red Cross, the World Food Program and the UNICEF are on the ground providing support to Sudanese people affected by the violence. However, a greater coordinated effort is needed to ensure that aid reaches all who need it.
Uncertain future for Sudan
To resolve the crisis in Sudan, it is critical to find a political solution that involves all stakeholders and addresses the underlying causes of the conflict. This includes the need for comprehensive reforms in the country's security forces, as well as the implementation of measures to promote justice and reconciliation.
An inclusive and transparent dialogue between different factions, political parties, civil society and the international community is essential to reach a lasting and sustainable agreement. The Sudanese leadership must be willing to make the necessary concessions and compromises to ensure a peaceful transition to democracy.
The international community has a crucial role to play in resolving the crisis in Sudan. In addition to providing humanitarian assistance and technical support, it is critical for international actors to exert pressure on conflicting parties to cease hostilities and return to the negotiating table.
Influential countries and organizations must use their influence to ensure that human rights and democratic principles are upheld in Sudan. Furthermore, the international community must be prepared to impose sanctions and other coercive measures if the parties involved do not comply with the agreements reached.
What to expect from Sudan?
Despite the challenges and uncertainties that Sudan is currently facing, it is possible to envision a promising future for the country if political and military leaders are willing to put the interests of the Sudanese people above their personal ambitions.
The transition to democracy can be a difficult and time-consuming process, but it is essential to ensuring peace, justice and sustainable development in Sudan. With the support of the international community and the commitment of the parties involved, Sudan can overcome its challenges and emerge as a democratic and prosperous state.
To build a prosperous and stable future in Sudan, it is crucial to invest in areas such as education and health. Improving access to quality education and creating opportunities for skills development can help provide the foundation for sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.
The training of health professionals and the expansion of access to adequate health services are essential to guarantee the well-being of the population and the prevention of diseases.
The international community can play an important role in supporting projects and programs aimed at improving education and health in Sudan, providing financial and technical resources, as well as sharing experiences and good practices.
Sustainability
Economic development is another key element in securing a better future for Sudan. Diversifying the economy, promoting foreign investment and creating jobs are important measures to reduce the country's dependence on oil exports and ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.
The international community can help Sudan implement policies and strategies that promote economic and environmental sustainability, as well as encourage investment in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and resilient infrastructure.
Gender equality and social inclusion are key to sustainable development and lasting peace in Sudan. It is important to ensure that women and marginalized groups participate fully in the political, economic and social life of the country, and that measures are taken to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence.
Political leaders and the international community must work together to promote gender equality and social inclusion in Sudan by implementing policies and programs that address inequalities and ensure the protection of the rights of all citizens.
Conclusion
The crisis in Sudan presents significant challenges, but also opportunities for a brighter future.
Through stakeholder commitment, support from the international community and the implementation of comprehensive measures in areas such as politics, education, health, economic development and gender equality, Sudan can overcome current challenges and pave the way to peace, democracy and prosperity.
What do you think about this crisis in Africa? Do you think this situation in Sudan will be temporary or could it escalate into Civil War? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.
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Picture: © 2023 DR
