2023 Sudan conflict
On 15 April 2023, clashes happened across Sudan, especially in and around the capital city Khartoum, as well as Darfur, between rival factions of the current military government. By 27 May, at least 1800 people passed away[1][2] and more than 5,100 people were injured.[3]
| 2023 Sudan conflict | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of Sudanese transition to democracy | |||||||
.svg) Military situation as of 21 December 2024 Controlled by the Sudanese Armed Forces Controlled by the Rapid Support Forces | |||||||
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
| Rapid Support Forces | Sudanese Armed Forces | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo | Abdel Fattah al-Burhan | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 100,000 | 100,000 - 150,000 | ||||||
The fighting began with attacks on key government sites such as Khartoum where gunfire and explosions were reported. As of 15 April 2023, Leader of the RSF Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo and de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan claimed to control key government sites such as the general military headquarters, Sudan TV headquarters and the Presidential Palace.
On 17 April, the governments of Kenya, South Sudan and Djibouti stated that they could send their presidents to Sudan to act as mediators. However, Khartoum Airport was closed due to fighting making arrival by air difficult.[4]
Background
The history of conflicts in Sudan has consisted of foreign invasions and resistance, ethnic tensions, religious disputes, and competition over resources.[5][6] In its modern history, two civil wars between the central government and the southern regions led to the deaths of 1.5 million, and a continuing conflict in the western region of Darfur has displaced two million people and killed more than 200,000 people. Since independence in 1956, Sudan has had more than fifteen military coups[7] and it has also been ruled by the military for the majority of the republic's existence, with only brief periods of democratic civilian rule.[8]
Political context
Former president Omar al-Bashir presided over the War in Darfur, a region in the west of the country, and oversaw violence sponsored by the state in the region of Darfur, leading to charges of war crimes and genocide.[9] Around 300,000 people were killed and 2.7 million people were forced to be removed because of the conflict. The intensity of the violence later declined[10]
Timeline
April
On 15 April, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacked multiple bases used by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) including bases in the capital of Khartoum like Khartoum International Airport.[11] The clashes around the state broadcaster Sudan TV, which was eventually captured by RSF forces. Bridges and roads in Khartoum were closed with the RSF claiming that all roads south of Khartoum were closed.[12] On 16 April, the SAF announced the arrests of multiple RSF officers, the rescue of the major general and brigadier and the capture of Merowe Airport.The Sudan Civil Aviation Authority closed the countries airspace.[13] The provider MTN also shut down internet services.[14] Clashes started again on 17 April in Khartoum, Omdurman and Merowe Airport.[15] The SAF claimed control of the Sudan TV headquarters in Khartoum,[16] and the RSF released a video on twitter.[15]
Fighting continued in Khartoum between the SAF and RSF. The SAF accused the RSF of assaulting civilians as well as looting and burning.[17]
2023 Sudan Conflict Media
Repatriations through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism
Sudanese refugee camp in Chad
Related pages
References
- ↑ "Sudan fighting in its 24th day: A list of key events". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
- ↑ "Photos: Sudanese capital devastated by a month of brutal fighting". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2023-06-15.
- ↑ "Sudan's death toll rises as warring sides continue talks". ABC News. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
- ↑ "Sudan fighting: RSF and army clash in Khartoum for third day" (in en-GB). BBC News. 2023-04-16. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-65293538. Retrieved 2023-04-18.
- ↑ Sawant, Ankush B. (July 1998) [July 1998]. "Ethnic Conflict in Sudan in Historical Perspective". International Studies. 35 (3): 343–363. doi:10.1177/0020881798035003006. ISSN 0020-8817.
- ↑ Fluehr-Lobban, Carolyn (1990). "Islamization in Sudan: A Critical Assessment". Middle East Journal. 44 (4): 610–623. ISSN 0026-3141.
- ↑ ISSAfrica.org (2020-07-31). "Sudan, a coup laboratory". ISS Africa. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
- ↑ "Military Rule No Longer Viable in Sudan: Analyst". VOA. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
- ↑ Abdelaziz, Khalid; Eltahir, Nafisa; Eltahir, Nafisa (2023-04-15). "Sudan’s army chief, paramilitary head ready to de-escalate tensions, mediators say" (in en). Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sudanese-politicians-blame-bashir-loyalists-discord-2023-04-14/. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
- ↑ "Sudanese general's path to power ran through Darfur". AP NEWS. 2019-05-20. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
- ↑ "Sudan: Army and RSF battle over key sites, leaving 56 civilians dead" (in en-GB). BBC News. 2023-04-15. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-65284945. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
- ↑ "السودان في ثاني أيام المعارك.. اتساع المواجهات بين الجيش والدعم السريع وفتح ممرات إنسانية لفترة وجيزة". www.aljazeera.net (in العربية). Retrieved 2023-06-15.
- ↑ Chris Shieff (2023-04-17). "Military Coup: Sudan Airspace Closed". International Ops 2023 - OPSGROUP. Retrieved 2023-06-15.
- ↑ Ibrahim, Arwa. "Artillery fire heard in Sudan as three-hour ceasefire ends". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2023-06-15.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Siddiqui, Mersiha Gadzo,Usaid. "Updates: More than 180 people killed in Sudan fighting – UN envoy". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2023-06-15.
- ↑ "Sudan: 'I haven't slept, I'm terrified,' says Khartoum resident as fighting rages". BBC News. 2023-04-16. Retrieved 2023-06-15.
- ↑ Adil, Arwa Ibrahim,Hafsa. "Fighting continues in Sudan's capital despite new ceasefire". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2023-06-15.