Heavy clashes continue in Sudan as UN warns of starvation

Heavy clashes have been reported in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, hours before a shaky ceasefire between the warring sides expires as the United Nations warns of starvation in the crisis-hit country.

On Monday, residents reported they had heard sustained clashes from Sunday into Monday in the south and west of Omdurman, one of three adjoining cities that make up Sudan's greater capital. Moreover, residents across the River Nile in southern Khartoum also reported clashes late on Sunday.

Sudan's ruling military council, which has the full support of the army, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a rebellious group, have been locked in a power struggle that erupted into conflict on April 15, claiming the lives of hundreds and driving nearly 1.4 million people from their homes.

Both sides have announced they are considering extending the week-long ceasefire brokered by Saudi Arabia and the United States that had brought some respite from the conflict.

The truce, which was designed in an attempt to allow the distribution of aid, is due to expire at 9.45 p.m. (19:45 GMT) local time on Monday.

"Since yesterday evening there has been bombardment with all types of weapons between the army and the Rapid Support. We're in a state of great fear. Where's the truce?" said Hassan Othman, a 55-year-old resident of Omdurman.

The ceasefire, however, was repeatedly violated by both sides, impeding the delivery of humanitarian access and restoration of essential services.

According to figures of the ministry of health, more than 700 people have lost their lives across the country so far. The real death toll, however, is likely much higher.

Shortly after the outbreak of clashes in mid-April, the military council, headed by Army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, declared dissolution of the RSF, which is led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti.

The RSF is a former militia that was due to merge with the army and whose leaders shared power in a ruling military council. Its current leader, Hemedti, has played a prominent role in the turbulent politics for 10 years, helping topple then President Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and later quashing protests by Sudanese seeking democracy.

The RSF was created in 2013 and its planned integration into the regular army was a key element of talks to finalize a deal that was hoped to restore Sudan's civilian transition and end the politico-economic crisis sparked by the military's 2021 coup by Burhan and Daglo in post-Bashir era.

During the past weeks, factories, offices, homes and banks have been looted or destroyed in Khartoum. Power, water and telecommunications are often cut, and there are acute shortages of medicines and medical equipment.

Food supplies have also been running low in the capital.

Sudan’s week-long ceasefire threatened by intensified fighting

The truce was holding in the capital Khartoum and elsewhere across the country.

Meanwhile, two UN agencies, namely the World Food Program and the Food and Agriculture Organization, warned of rising food emergencies, including starvation, in Sudan due to the civil war.

They called for urgent attention to save both lives and jobs in Sudan, as there are communities already facing or projected to face starvation or otherwise risk a slide “toward catastrophic conditions.”

The UN agencies in their report also warned of a possible spillover of the conflict. They warned one million people are expected to flee the country. They also said an additional 2.5 million inside Sudan will face acute hunger in the coming months as supply routes through Port Sudan are disrupted by safety issues.

The fighting has stoked fears of a prolonged conflict that could plunge the country into deeper chaos, dashing long-held hopes for a transition to civilian-led democracy.

The UN, the Arab League and many countries in the world have already urged the opposing sides to show restraint and engage in dialog to end the hostilities.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk