Escalating conflict in Khartoum as Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces clash

Multiple reports have emerged, indicating explosions occurring in various parts of the city, while fierce fighting engulfs the eastern and southern regions. Disturbingly, residents of Khartoum have reported artillery shelling and air strikes targeting the bases of the Rapid Support Forces.

The root cause of the escalating situation in Sudan lies in the disagreements between key figures. Army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who also serves as the head of the Sovereignty Council, finds himself at odds with Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemedti), the head of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and al-Burhan's deputy. These differences revolve around the timeline and methods for unifying Sudan's armed forces, as well as the crucial matter of appointing a commander-in-chief. Al-Burhan favors a career military officer, while Dagalo insists on an elected civilian president taking up the role.

The clashes initially erupted on April 15 near a military base in Merowe and subsequently spread to various parts of Khartoum, exacerbating the overall tensions. Tragically, according to the Sudanese Doctors' Union, the ongoing conflict has resulted in the loss of over 800 civilian lives, further emphasizing the urgent need for resolution and stability. (ILKHA)