(Breaking News) Sudan at War, Rapid Support Force [RSF] Clashes with Sudanese Armed Force [SAF]
Fighting reported in Port Sudan, Merowe and the Blue Nile. Airbase in Merowe is under RSF control so is the airport. Talk of an Islamist backed coup underway. Lots of gunfire in different parts on Khartoum, the Sudanese capital right now: it seems the long-feared clashes between the military and the RSF (Rapid Support Force) may be starting. Reports of possibly attempts at coup within SAF (Sudanese Armed Force) and pictures of RSF taking over airport. So far clashes on the ground only, not the air - it cannot become airborne. Loss of life will skyrocket. Will be updated every time refresh-ed this breaking news.
RSF fighters say they have taken control of Marawi airport and have captured members of the Egyptian military. A convoy of RSF leave a nearby compound towards Khartoum. People are clearing the streets, sheltering in place.
Day-4 (at least around 102 hours after clash started):
data 8.32 am, April 17th, or around 47 hours after clash:
(Posted April 17th, 9.51 pm Khartoum / 9.51 pm Brussels / 3.51 pm DC)
(11.17 pm Khartoum / 5.17 pm DC, around 13 hours after attempt of coup d’etat by Rapid Support Force in Sudan)
While much of the gunfire seems confined to Khartoum we are hearing and seeing heavy gunfire a few blocks from us in Hillat Hammad, Bahri (Khartoum North) where the RSF has a compound. Sudanese Armed Force (SAF) is not a cohesive force and violence often erupts ahead of an expected agreement that aims to dilute the power of belligerent and autocratic players. This has occurred in a number of crises and fragile states, not just Sudan.
April 16th 5.29 am Khartoum / April 15th 11.29 pm Washington DC
April 16th 5.29 am Khartoum / April 15th 11.29 pm Washington DC
April 16th 5.29 am Khartoum / April 15th 11.29 pm Washington DC
(RSF HQ under fire after attack from SAF)
In Sudan, many civilians say that this is a face-off between the Kizan -- Islamist elements from Bashir's old regime that compose the top brass in the army -- and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The head of the army, Abdel fattah al-Burhan, is under pressure from within. Indeed, a new political agreement would have hurt the Kizan the most and bestowed the legitimacy to its rival the RSF.
The army, back in the 2000s, created a force to carry out mass slaughters in Darfur. That force grew to become the RSF. There conflict now has to be seen within the broader paradigm of the political agreement that internationals and domestic players were pressuring the army to sign. But the Kizan wouldn't accept a scenario where their power would be depleted as the RSF's power grew.
April 16th, around 8-9 am or at least 21 hours clash:
At least until (counting) 7 am Khartoum (19 hours after clash):
56 civilian dead (include 3 WFP staff in Darfur)
595 injured
WFP helicopter seized by RSF (Rapid Support Force) in Darfur, around 6 pm yesterday (April 15th)
April 16th, around 8-9 am or at least 21 hours clash:
April 16th, around 8-9 am or at least 21 hours clash:
Moreover, the RSF deployed two days ago near Merowe airport in northern Sudan. The move appeared to be strategic and a pre-emptive attack. The army has aerial power that the RSF does not have. The RSF clearly got in position to attack the airport first if a conflict erupted. All internationals need to be on deck to stop this conflict. This won't be good for the UAE or Egypt -- two patrons of the RSF and army, respectively. Washington and the EU can't afford the Horn of Africa destabilizing. There is no room for wait and see.
China–Sudan relations are the bilateral relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Sudan. China is currently one of Sudan's largest trade partners, importing oil and exporting low cost manufactured items as well as armaments into the country. Both states enjoy a very robust and productive relationship in the fields of diplomacy, economic trade, and political strategy. Under FM Qin Gang, but actually initiated since Chinese FM is Wang Yi, China set multiple wins. Syria and Saudi. Syria and the UAE. Iran and Saudi. Iran and the UAE. Egypt and Turkey. Saudi and the Houthis. Oman mediating. Iraq mediating. Lots of diplomacy going on in the Middle East right now, and all because brokered, or at least triggered, because patience diplomacy by China in the Middle East. Waiting (now what China action) in Sudan.
Due to potential retaliation (& worsened situation) after (rumor) RSF (Rapid Support Force, a rebel militia side) Chief Hamdan Dagalo killed, hotline:
UK:
+249 (0)156 775500 / In UK 020 7008 5000
==
Spain
+249 912 36 33 77
#السودان #جنجويد_رباطة
#الخرطوم
#Khartoum 6.35 am / Washington DC 0.35 am
Il Paese africano ha vissuto ancora una notte di scontri. Almeno 56 morti e quasi 600 feriti, secondo fonti locali
#Sudan
#السودان #جنجويد_رباطة
#الخرطوم
RSF has hubs in residential areas across the tri-city area. Immediate containment is needed and Arab Axis - who have allies across security sector - should engage to end clashes before they escalate further. Despite political pointscoring on statements neither SAF and nor RSF will emergency from this without a considerable hit to their reputations and image - there is no victory here. Mediators should stress the repercussions of this escalation as soon and as frequently as possible. Any momentary gains will only feed hubris on either side.
Just 20 hours ago: In Cannes Film Festival 2023, Sudan makes history with first film ever selected for festival. Goodbye Julia, the debut from Sudanese director Mohamed Kordofani, follows the divide between Sudan’s north and south
Sudanese film is breaking barriers. Goodbye Julia, the debut feature from Mohamed Kordofani, has been selected to screen at this year’s Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, a milestone for Sudan, marking the country’s first ever selection to the renowned fest.
The film is produced by award-winning filmmaker Amjad Abu Alala (You Will Die at 20)