Sudan Crisis: Hundreds Killed, Thousands Injured As Battle For Control Rages On — Explained
The clashes are between the regular army and the main paramilitary force called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
New Delhi: A power struggle in Sudan has led to violent clashes between two main factions of the country’s military regime, killing over 250 people and injuring around 2,600 others in Khartoum and other cities.
The clashes are between the regular army and the main paramilitary force called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
These developments have escalated the risk of a potential civil war throughout the country.
Who is fighting who?
The two generals have differing views on the country's future direction, particularly regarding the proposed shift towards the civilian rule. Key points of disagreement include the inclusion of the 100,000-strong RSF in the army and who would be the military’s commander-in-chief.
Why has fighting broken out there?
The clash, which erupted on Saturday following weeks of power struggles between the two army units, was sparked by a disagreement over the integration of the RSF into the military as part of a transition towards civilian rule, Al Jazeera reported on Sunday.
The disagreement has delayed the signing of an internationally backed agreement with political parties on a transition to democracy.
According to the report, a coalition of civilian groups that signed a draft of that agreement in December called on Saturday for an immediate halt to hostilities to stop Sudan from sliding towards “total collapse”.
Why is the military in charge of Sudan?
In October 2021, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo staged a coup, disrupting the transition towards civilian rule that had been initiated following the ousting of long-serving President Omar al-Bashir in 2019.
As a result of the coup, al-Burhan became the de facto leader of Sudan, while Dagalo became his second-in-command.
And since then the rivalry between Gen al-Burhan and Gen Dagalo has intensified.
What are the Rapid Support Forces?
Established in 2013, the RSF has roots in the infamous Janjaweed militia, which engaged in brutal battles against rebels in Darfur and was accused of committing ethnic cleansing.
Under the leadership of Gen Dagalo, the RSF has since evolved into a powerful force that has been involved in conflicts in Yemen and Libya. Additionally, he has expanded his interests to include economic pursuits, such as controlling some of Sudan's gold mines.
However, the RSF has faced allegations of human rights violations, with a notorious incident occurring in June 2019 when over 120 people were killed in a massacre for which the paramilitary group has been held responsible.
Why is the military in charge of Sudan?
In October 2021, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo staged a coup, disrupting the transition towards civilian rule that had been initiated following the ousting of long-serving President Omar al-Bashir in 2019.
As a result of the coup, al-Burhan became the de facto leader of Sudan, while Dagalo became his second-in-command.
And since then the rivalry between Gen al-Burhan and Gen Dagalo has intensified.
How neighbouring countries have reacted?
The United States, China, Russia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the U.N. Security Council, European Union, and African Union have appealed for a quick end to the hostilities that threaten to worsen instability in an already volatile wider region.
Efforts by neighbours and regional bodies to end the violence intensified on Sunday. Egypt offered to mediate, and regional African bloc Intergovernmental Authority on Development plans to send the presidents of Kenya, South Sudan and Djibouti as soon as possible to reconcile Sudanese groups in conflict, Kenyan President William Ruto's office said on Twitter.
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