In a recent development, Sudan’s military has decided to terminate negotiations with the country’s paramilitary forces regarding the extension of a cease-fire agreement. The military accuses the paramilitary forces of repeatedly violating the truce, which was brokered by the United States and Saudi Arabia.
The conflict between the two sides has been ongoing for six weeks, prompting the signing of a seven-day cease-fire agreement in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 20.
The purpose of the cease-fire was to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the affected regions. Later, on May 29, a five-day extension to the cease-fire was agreed upon.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have been closely monitoring the implementation of the cease-fire and have stated that both parties involved have violated its terms.
In response to the escalating situation, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres requested a closed-door session of the United Nations Security Council. This meeting, which lasted for 90 minutes, marks only the fifth time during Guterres’ five-year tenure that he has called for such a gathering.
Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, has been mired in violence since April 15, when fighting broke out between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces after relations broke down between military leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF chief General Mohamed Hamdan Degalo.
The two generals are former allies who together orchestrated an October 2021 military coup that derailed a transition to civilian rule following the 2019 ouster of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir.
Tensions between the generals have been growing over disagreements about how the RSF should be integrated in the army and who should oversee that process. The restructuring of the military was part of an effort to restore the country to civilian rule and end the political crisis sparked by the 2021 coup.
The termination of the cease-fire agreement and the United Nations Security Council meeting highlight the gravity of the situation in Sudan. The ongoing conflict poses significant challenges to efforts aimed at providing humanitarian assistance to those in need.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize diplomacy, seek peaceful resolutions, and ensure the protection and well-being of the Sudanese people. International cooperation and support will be vital in finding a lasting solution to the conflict and mitigating the humanitarian consequences it has caused.
In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through Sudan and the international community, Sudan’s military has initiated a forceful offensive against the paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF).
This offensive aims to retake key areas that were under the control of the RSF, a powerful and controversial paramilitary group in the country. With massive artillery strikes and air raids targeting strategic RSF installations and troop clusters, the military’s actions mark a crucial turning point in Sudan’s ongoing political landscape.
Background: The RSF and its Controversial Role
The Rapid Support Force emerged as a paramilitary group in Sudan in 2013. Initially formed as a counterinsurgency force to combat rebel groups in the Darfur region, the RSF quickly gained prominence and influence within Sudan’s security apparatus.
Under the leadership of General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as “Hemeti,” the RSF grew in size, becoming a powerful force within Sudan’s political landscape.
However, the RSF has faced criticism and allegations of human rights abuses, including its involvement in the violent suppression of protesters during Sudan’s 2019 revolution. The force has been accused of attacks on civilians, sexual violence, and extrajudicial killings. These allegations have sparked widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally.
Sudan’s Military’s Offensive and Objectives
Fighting has intensified in Khartoum as well as Darfur, despite US sanctions that were imposed due to the collapse of ceasefire talks.
The Sudanese army has called in reinforcements to aid in its fight with its rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), sparking fear among residents in the capital of Khartoum that the conflict will intensify.
The military’s offensive against the RSF is a significant move that signals a growing rift between the Sudanese armed forces and the paramilitary group. While the exact motivations and triggers behind the offensive remain unclear, it appears that the military aims to retake control of key areas that were under the RSF’s influence.
Reports indicate that massive artillery bombardments and air raids have been unleashed on strategic RSF installations and troop clusters. The military’s actions are intended to weaken the RSF’s grip on power and undermine its military capabilities. By targeting their installations and clusters, the military seeks to disrupt the paramilitary force’s command structure and effectively neutralize its influence.
The Sudanese army has been trying to take control of a military base there that belongs to the RSF for the past two days. Residents have been warned to stay as far away as possible from the base.
Fighter jets are flying overhead in the city of Omdurman. And there’s been air strikes launched by the army on RSF positions in the northern parts of the capital.
The offensive against the RSF has far-reaching implications for Sudan’s political landscape. Firstly, it represents a significant challenge to the power and authority of General Hemeti, who has been a key figure in Sudanese politics for years. Hemeti’s close association with former President Omar al-Bashir and his controversial track record have made him a divisive figure among the Sudanese population.
The military’s move against the RSF may also be seen as a broader attempt by the military to assert its dominance and consolidate power within Sudan. Since the ousting of President al-Bashir in 2019, Sudan has been navigating a delicate transition towards democracy. This offensive raises concerns about potential power struggles and instability within the country, as different factions vie for control.
Additionally, the offensive raises concerns about the impact on civilians and the potential for a humanitarian crisis. It is essential for all parties involved to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians, ensuring that necessary measures are in place to protect innocent lives and provide assistance to those affected by the conflict.