KHARTOUM: The Sudanese capital of Khartoum has been rocked by explosions on the fourth day of fighting, which has resulted in almost 200 deaths.
The violence began on Saturday between two generals who seized power in a 2021 coup. The fighting has escalated, causing lawlessness and looting, including the targeting of medical and other aid supplies.
There are growing concerns about regional spillover from the conflict, with battles taking place throughout the country involving air strikes, artillery and heavy gunfire.
The G7 foreign ministers have called for an immediate end to the hostilities. Witnesses report that anti-aircraft guns have been resupplied and bombardments have been ongoing for several days.
Civilians are running out of food as grocery stores have been unable to replenish dwindling stocks. Hospitals have also been shelled, with 16 out of service across the country, and those still operating face extreme shortages, including of medical staff, water and food supplies.
Calls for truce in Sudan
The true number of casualties is expected to be much higher, with many wounded unable to reach hospitals. The Red Cross and the World Health Organization (WHO) have called for humanitarian aid corridors. Aid groups have temporarily suspended operations in the country.
The ongoing conflict has led to increasing lawlessness, with reports of aid groups having their medical and other supplies looted. There are also fears of a regional spillover of the conflict, with battles taking place throughout the vast northeast African country, including air strikes, artillery, and heavy gunfire.
The Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC), the main civilian group ousted from power in the coup, have rejected “the total war the generals have launched to destroy everything in their path.”
Many organizations have temporarily suspended aid operations in the country, where a major portion of the population needs aid, and three UN World Food Programme staff are among the dead. Egypt, Sudan’s influential northern neighbour, has discussed with South Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and Djibouti – all supporters of Sudan – “the need to make every effort to preserve safety and stability.”
