In a tense and volatile climate, Sudan has once again become a theater of intense conflict. The city of Omdurman, nestled against the majestic flow of the Nile, resounded with the cacophony of warfare on Tuesday. This unrest serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile peace that once inhabited the nation’s heart. But what led us to this juncture?
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The Sudanese army, in a strategic maneuver, engaged in fierce battles against rival paramilitary forces in Omdurman. According to descriptions from a correspondent of Agence France-Presse, the area was engulfed in violence, echoing with the roar of explosions. This turmoil follows the Retreat of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, in March—a retreat marred by loss and upheaval.
The military’s current operation, initiated on Monday, is reportedly part of a sweeping plan to reclaim control over Khartoum state. “We are pressing a large-scale operation,” declared military spokesperson Nabil Abdallah, adding a firm commitment to purging the area of what he termed “dirty thugs.” Such emotive language underscores not only the stakes but also the disdain between the warring factions.
Since April 2023, the nation has been locked in a bitter struggle. General Abdel Fattah Burhan, Sudan’s de facto leader, faces off against his former ally, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo of the RSF. This power struggle extends beyond mere territorial disputes; both parties are vying to cement their authority by forming parallel governments. Isn’t it striking how in a mere few months, attempts at diplomacy have been replaced by the harsh reality of armed conflict?
In what some interpret as a measured step towards gaining international favor, Burhan has appointed Kamil Idris, a former United Nations official, as the new prime minister. Analysts view this as a strategic effort to present a civilian-led administration amidst the ongoing chaos—a gesture acknowledged by the African Union as “a step toward inclusive governance.”
However, the RSF remains undeterred. In April, they proclaimed the creation of a rival administration, following a pact in Kenya with military and political coalition partners. Such movements disrupt any fragile hope for peace, compounding the nation’s woes.
‘Civilian lives at risk’
The RSF has unleashed drone assaults in various areas, including the strategic Port Sudan along the Red Sea coast. Once a vibrant part of national discourse, Omdurman is now the epicenter of recent clashes. The area recently endured a prolonged blackout, after drones targeted three power stations, plunging the entire Khartoum state into darkness.
Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) sounded the alarm, highlighting the dramatic impact of these blackouts on healthcare in Omdurman. Amid power outages, hospitals struggle to provide essential services—a grim reminder of how conflict ravages civilian life.
In a particularly alarming statement, Radhouane Nouicer, a U.N. human rights expert on Sudan, remarked, “The magnitude of these drone attacks represents a major escalation in the conflict, with alarming implications for civilian protection.” His statement paints a stark picture of the escalating humanitarian crisis as critical infrastructure remains under siege.
Meanwhile, the Sudanese army continues its aggressive tactics in the south, confronting RSF strongholds in an effort to sever supply lines. However, the toll is steep. The Emergency Lawyers—a group dedicated to documenting wartime atrocities—reported the tragic deaths of 18 civilians in South Kordofan state, among them four innocent children. Can the pursuit of power ever justify such a cost?
The brutal reality is undeniable. Tens of thousands have lost their lives, and 13 million have been displaced. This is, according to the United Nations, the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis. Sudan, once marked by cultural richness and historical significance, now finds itself fractured—its land carved up between the warring factions. The army holds sway over the north, east, and center, while the RSF dominates vast stretches of Darfur and parts of the south.
Yet, even amid despair, a thread of hope lingers. Could this strife one day yield a stronger, united Sudan, or are we destined to witness an unending cycle of conflict?
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Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
