New Ceasefire Fails to Halt Sudan Conflict as Civilian Casualties Rise
DUBAI, CAIRO: Sudan’s military factions engaged in ongoing Sudan conflict have agreed to yet another ceasefire, but the violence persists, resulting in civilian casualties and extensive air strikes across the capital city. The continuous fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has entered its third month with no side gaining a significant advantage.
Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement
The war in Sudan has led to the displacement of 2.2 million Sudanese citizens, plunging the Darfur region into a dire humanitarian calamity, as stated by the United Nations. The conflict has claimed over 3,000 lives and left more than 6,000 people injured, according to Sudan’s health minister.
Renewed Ceasefire Attempt
Late on Saturday, the United States and Saudi Arabia announced that the warring factions had agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire starting on Sunday morning. However, previous ceasefires have failed to bring a complete halt to the fighting, raising concerns about the effectiveness of this latest agreement.
Asymmetric Warfare
The Sudanese army holds the advantage of air power in Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri, while the RSF has entrenched itself within residential neighborhoods. Recent air strikes have intensified, targeting multiple residential areas. In a speech shared by the army, General Yassir Al-Atta warned residents to steer clear of homes occupied by the RSF, emphasizing their determination to attack. The general’s remarks seemed to dismiss any prospects of successful mediation.
Mounting Casualties
The Khartoum health ministry confirmed reports of a strike in the Mayo area of southern Khartoum, resulting in the death of 17 individuals, including five children, and the destruction of 25 homes. The attack is just one in a series of air and artillery strikes on impoverished and densely populated districts, trapping residents who lack the means to escape the violence.
Widespread Impact
Further shelling and air strikes were reported in al-Lammab, Sharq el-Nil, and other areas of southern and western Khartoum. The RSF claimed to have downed an army warplane in the Nile, west of Khartoum. Residents shared videos showing smoke rising near fuel depots in southern Khartoum. Central and southern Omdurman also experienced continued air strikes, resulting in casualties and destruction of homes.
Humanitarian Crisis in Darfur
In West Darfur’s El-Geneina, more than 270,000 individuals have sought refuge across the border in Chad following attacks that have claimed over 1,000 lives. Both residents and the United States have attributed these attacks to the RSF and allied militias. Reports of clashes between Chadian soldiers and the RSF were denied by Chadian military sources and local officials in Adre, Chad.
President’s Visit and Border Closure
Chad President General Mahamat Idriss Deby visited the affected area to witness the unfolding humanitarian crisis and ensure the closure of the border, according to the presidency’s statement.
Impact on Khartoum
The ongoing conflict has severely affected the millions of residents remaining in Khartoum, causing disruptions in electricity, water supply, healthcare access, and food scarcity. Reports of widespread looting have further aggravated the dire situation.
Published in PakWeb, June 18th, 2023.
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