Sudan: Clashes Escalate as Rapid Support Forces Launch Artillery Attack on Residential Neighborhoods

Civilians Caught in the Crossfire

KHARTOUM: Three civilians, including two children, were killed on Sunday in an artillery attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Omdurman, part of the Sudanese capital, a medical source told AFP. Eyewitnesses in the area reported seven rounds of shelling rocking residential neighbourhoods controlled by the army, which in recent days, has regained most of central Khartoum’s government district from the RSF.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

“Two children and a woman were killed and eight others injured in the shelling,” said the medical source at Al-Nao hospital, one of the city’s last functioning health facilities, requesting anonymity for their safety. Since April 2023, the RSF has battled Sudan’s regular army in a war that has killed tens of thousands, uprooted over 12 million, and created the world’s largest hunger and displacement crises.

Army Gains Ground in Capital

The army and allied groups on Friday recaptured the country’s presidential palace, launching a clearing operation to push the RSF out of central Khartoum’s administrative and financial district. On Saturday, they claimed several strategic state institutions that had been overrun by paramilitaries, including the central bank, state intelligence headquarters, and the national museum.

RSF Fighters Remain in Parts of Capital

RSF fighters remain stationed in parts of central Khartoum, including the airport, as well as the capital’s south and west. From their positions in western Omdurman, they have regularly launched strikes on civilian areas. In February, over 50 people were killed in a single RSF artillery attack on a busy Omdurman market.

Africa’s Third-Largest Country Remains Divided

Despite the army’s advances in the capital, Africa’s third-largest country remains effectively split in two, with the army holding the east and north while the RSF controls nearly all of the western region of Darfur and parts of the south.

Conclusion

The ongoing conflict in Sudan is a pressing concern, with civilians caught in the crossfire and the humanitarian crisis deepening by the day. The international community must continue to urge all parties to the conflict to seek a peaceful resolution and protect civilians from the fighting.

FAQs

* What is the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)?
The RSF is a paramilitary group that has been battling Sudan’s regular army since April 2023.
* What is the current situation in Khartoum?
The army has regained control of most of central Khartoum’s government district, but the RSF remains stationed in parts of the capital, including the airport, south, and west.
* What is the humanitarian impact of the conflict?
The war has killed tens of thousands, uprooted over 12 million, and created the world’s largest hunger and displacement crises.
* How can the international community help?
The international community should continue to urge all parties to the conflict to seek a peaceful resolution and protect civilians from the fighting.