As ceasefire talks loom on Sunday, reports of intense fighting between opposing factions have persisted in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, as well as other urban areas.
According to local residents, the Sudanese military has reportedly conducted airstrikes on civilian areas, while the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have allegedly taken control of civilian properties.
Incidents of conflict have been reported in Khartoum, as well as in the nearby areas of Omdurman and Geneina in the Darfur region.
The armed conflict between the national military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commenced approximately one month ago.
According to one of the residents, Hani Ahmed, aged 28, the situation was comparatively worse in the morning as compared to the preceding two days.
According to his statement, there was a noticeable increase in the frequency of patrols by the RSF and the sound of tanks was clearly audible in the vicinity.
The only military presence we observe in the airspace is that of the army, whereas in-person interactions are limited to the RSF. “Those individuals are the ones present at the location,” stated Mr. Ahmed.
Numerous casualties have been reported and approximately 200,000 individuals have evacuated their residences to neighboring states. Approximately 700,000 individuals have been internally displaced within the country.
The prevalence of looting and the departure of international aid organizations have resulted in significant scarcities of both sustenance and medical supplies.
Individuals who have been displaced and are currently residing in a sizable camp located in northern Darfur have reduced their daily meals to one.
The non-governmental organization Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) issued a warning regarding the potential deterioration of conditions for children.
On Thursday, the conflicting parties signed a “declaration of commitment” following a week-long negotiation process facilitated by Saudi Arabia and the United States.
The negotiations for a ceasefire will recommence on Sunday in Jeddah, with representatives from both conflicting parties in attendance.
Report by Darfur Bar Association
According to the Darfur Bar Association, a local human rights organization, a minimum of 77 individuals lost their lives in Geneina on Friday due to escalated fighting after a period of relative calm lasting two weeks.
The group stated that armed groups operating on motorcycles and RSF vehicles persist in perpetrating acts of homicide, theft, arson, and intimidation.
According to art curator Duaa Tariq, aged 30, the region where he is located in Khartoum is currently under the control of the RSF. They engage in looting and harassment of individuals while carrying weapons and exhibiting a nomadic lifestyle by seeking shelter in various locations.
The Sudanese civil aviation authority has announced the continued closure of Sudanese airspace to all traffic until the 31st of May. However, it has been clarified that flights related to humanitarian aid and evacuation will not be impacted by this decision.