Three Civilians Killed Amid Clashes Between Army And Paramilitary Troops In Sudan

Violence erupted after weeks of tension between military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his paramilitary commander over planned integration of paramilitary Rapid Support Forces into regular army.

Smoke rises above buildings in Khartoum amid reported clashes in the city on Saturday.

New Delhi: Three civilians were killed in Sudan amid reported firings and clashes in the country, news agency AFP reported. The Embassy of India in Sudan advised the Indian nationals to stay indoors in view of the clashes between the military and paramilitary troops, news agency ANI reported.

Sudan paramilitaries said the army attacked their camps in south Khartoum, AFP reported.

NOTICE TO ALL INDIANS

IN VIEW OF REPORTED FIRINGS AND CLASHES, ALL INDIANS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE UTMOST PRECAUTIONS, STAY INDOORS AND STOP VENTURING OUTSIDE WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT. PLEASE ALSO STAY CALM AND WAIT FOR UPDATES.

— India in Sudan (@EoI_Khartoum) April 15, 2023

The Indian Embassy issued a notice saying, “In view of reported firings and clashes, all Indians are advised to take utmost precautions, stay indoors and stop venturing outside with immediate effect. Please stay calm and wait for updates.”

According to reports, violence erupted in Sudan on Saturday after weeks of escalating tensions between military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his paramilitary commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, over the planned integration of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the regular army.

Gunfire was heard near the airport and also Burhan's residence and in Khartoum North. Locals could be seen running for cover as artillery exchanges rocked the streets, AFP reported.

"Fighters from the Rapid Support Forces attacked several army camps in Khartoum and elsewhere around Sudan," army spokesman Brigadier General Nabil Abdallah told AFP. "Clashes are ongoing and the army is carrying out its duty to safeguard the country,” he added.

It is to be noted that military leader Burhan has been at loggerheads with the RSF commander, over talks to finalise a deal to return the country to civilian rule and end the crisis sparked by their 2021 coup. A plan to integrate the RSF into the regular army is one of the key points of contention, according to reports.

The army, in a statement issued on Thursday, said it was "sounding the alarm as the country is at a dangerous historical turning point".

"The risks are increasing as the RSF command mobilised and spread forces in the capital and other cities,” the statement added.