KHARTOUM: The city of Khartoum was rocked by shelling as clashes between Sudan’s rival generals intensified, defying attempts to broker a ceasefire. Witnesses reported artillery fire in eastern Khartoum and near the state television building in Omdurman, the capital’s sister city.
The fighting between the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has persisted for nearly seven weeks, gripping not only Khartoum but also the western region of Darfur.
In response to the ongoing violence, the United States imposed sanctions on both warring parties. The US Treasury blacklisted two major arms companies of the Sudanese Armed Forces and imposed sanctions on gold miner Al Junaid Multi Activities Co and arms trader Tradive General Trading, both controlled by RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo and his family.
Additionally, the US State Department announced visa restrictions on army and RSF officials, accusing them of undermining Sudan’s democratic transition.
Despite these measures, the efficacy of sanctions on the rival generals remains a subject of debate. The wealth amassed by both sides during former President Omar al-Bashir’s rule raises questions about the impact of sanctions. So far, neither faction has gained a decisive advantage. The regular army possesses air power and heavy weaponry, while the paramilitaries are more agile and better suited for urban warfare.
Sudan Fighting After Army’s Withdrawal from Talks
Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire suffered a setback when the army announced its withdrawal from the talks. In response, troops attacked key RSF bases in Khartoum. The violence has taken a heavy toll on civilians, with a recent army bombardment in Khartoum resulting in the deaths of 18 civilians and the injury of 106 others.
Since the conflict erupted on April 15, more than 1,800 people have been killed, and over 1.2 million have been displaced within Sudan, with an additional 425,000 fleeing to neighboring countries. The situation is particularly dire in Darfur, where armed men are reportedly targeting fleeing individuals, looting villages, and impeding access to medical care.
As the UN Security Council reviews its mission in Sudan, which expires soon, calls for regional and continental leadership to resolve the conflict are growing. The Norwegian Refugee Council has highlighted the exceptional leverage of the United Arab Emirates and the African members of the Security Council in influencing the council’s stance on the issue. Meanwhile, aid and protection are urgently needed for the more than 25 million people, over half of Sudan’s population, who require assistance.
