Intensified Sudan Clashes Amid Army Reinforcements and RSF Control

Intensifying clashes in Khartoum, Sudan reflect increasing tensions as army reinforcements fight to reclaim territory from the RSF, which maintains control of the presidential palace. The conflict has caused significant civilian casualties and has led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced across the nation. RSF commander Hemedti vows not to relinquish control, threatening to widen the conflict further.

Recent clashes in Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, have intensified following the arrival of government army troops from the south, who are attempting to regain control of the city. According to military spokesman General Nabil Abdullah, reinforcements from the Armoured Corps have joined forces already positioned near the presidential palace, which continues to be occupied by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since the conflict began in April 2023.

In a video address, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, known as Hemedti, expressed that his forces would not relinquish control of the Republican Palace. He further threatened to broaden the conflict to Blue Nile State and Eastern Sudan, toward Port Sudan, where the government has shifted the administrative capital, asserting that his troops would emerge victorious.

Civilian casualties during this weekend’s intensified fighting have been harrowing. Reports indicate that shelling by RSF forces in Omdurman resulted in six civilian deaths, including two children. Medical sources also confirmed that a separate attack on Sunday injured 36 civilians, among whom half were children. The bombardment has struck residential neighborhoods, with tragic consequences for the local population.

Since the outbreak of war, the conflict between the RSF and the army has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with tens of thousands of fatalities and over 12 million people displaced. In Khartoum alone, approximately 3.5 million individuals have been forcibly displaced due to the ongoing violence, according to United Nations reports.

The RSF has established control over vast regions, notably Darfur and parts of southern Sudan, while the army has made recent advances in reclaiming territory throughout Khartoum and central Sudan. The military successfully broke an RSF siege in February, enabling improved connectivity between Khartoum and the vital city of El-Obeid, which remains largely under RSF control. Meanwhile, recent clashes have also been reported in Blue Nile State, marking an escalation of the conflict across multiple fronts.

The situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate amid escalating clashes in Khartoum, as both the army and RSF vie for power. Civilians are suffering tremendous losses, and the ongoing conflict has become a significant humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and facing food insecurity. As the military regains territory, the potential for further violence remains high, necessitating urgent international attention and assistance.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr