Fierce fighting continues in Sudan despite truce extension, warnings of civil war

Fierce fighting continues between Sudan’s army and the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) despite warnings that the ongoing conflict in the country could turn into one of the world's worst civil wars. 

Clashes erupted between the rival military forces on Sunday, following the extension of a shaky ceasefire in Sudan, with both sides accusing each other of fresh violations of the truce.

The army claimed that it had destroyed RSF convoys moving towards the capital, Khartoum, from the west. The RSF said the army had used artillery and warplanes to attack its positions in a number of areas in Khartoum province.

This comes as the RSF had announced in a statement earlier in the day that a formal ceasefire agreement which was due to expire at midnight would be extended for a further 72 hours.

“In response to international, regional and local calls, we announce the extension of the humanitarian truce for 72 hours, starting from midnight tonight, in order to open humanitarian corridors and facilitate the movement of citizens and residents and enable them to fulfill their needs and reach safe areas,” the statement said.

Fighting erupted between Sudan's army and the RSF on April 15 and has so far killed more than 500 people, knocked out hospitals and other services, and turned residential areas into war zones.

Thousands have also been wounded in the fighting, which has displaced tens of thousands of people, including Sudanese and citizens from neighboring countries, who have fled, including to Egypt, Chad, and South Sudan.

International organizations have, however, warned that millions of Sudanese are unable to flee and are trying to survive acute shortages of water, food, medicines, and fuel as well as power and internet blackouts.

According to experts, the situation in Sudan could worsen at any moment, with intense violence in the days to come.

GCC chief calls for calm in Sudan

Meanwhile, the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has called for calm in Sudan and an end to all military escalation in the country.

GCC Secretary General Jassim Muhammed al-Budaiwi made the appeal during a meeting with Dafallah Al-Haj Ali, Sudan's undersecretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Sunday.

Budaiwi also stressed the GCC’s keenness on Sudan’s security, safety and stability, preserving the cohesion of the state and its institutions, and supporting it to face all challenges to achieve the aspirations of the Sudanese people.

The GCC secretary general also hailed all international and regional efforts aimed at reaching a consensus among political forces, ending the crisis in Sudan, and achieving security and stability in the country.

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