Over 56 civilians killed as military rivals brawl in Sudan

Sudan’s military launched air strikes on a paramilitary force’s base near the capital on Sunday in an attempt to retake control of the country following clashes in which scores of combatants and at least 56 civilians were killed.

According to eyewitnesses, the army struck a base belonging to the government’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the city of Omdurman, which adjoins the capital Khartoum, late Saturday.

The military and the RSF, which analysts estimate to be 100,000 strong, have been competing for power as political factions negotiate to form a transitional government following a military coup in 2021.

Witnesses reported hearing heavy artillery fire across Khartoum, Omdurman, and nearby Bahri in the early hours of Sunday morning, as well as gunfire in the Red Sea city of Port Sudan, where there had been no previous reports of fighting.

Since the fighting began on Saturday, at least 56 civilians have been killed and 595 people, including combatants, have been injured, according to the Sudanese Doctors’ Union.

Scores of military personnel were also killed, according to the report, which did not provide an exact number due to a lack of first-hand information from many of the hospitals where those casualties were treated.

Earlier, the group stated that it had recorded deaths at Khartoum’s airport and Omdurman, as well as west of Khartoum in the cities of Nyala, El Obeid, and El Fasher.

The RSF claimed to have seized the presidential palace, army chief’s residence, state television station, and airports in Khartoum, Merowe, El Fasher, and West Darfur state.

However, the army denied those claims.

The Sudanese air force warned people to stay indoors while it conducted an aerial survey of RSF activity, and Khartoum state declared a holiday on Sunday, closing schools, banks, and government offices.

Army chief General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan told Al Jazeera TV the RSF should back down: “We think if they are wise they will turn back their troops that came into Khartoum.

“But if it continues we will have to deploy troops into Khartoum from other areas.”

The armed forces said it would not negotiate with the RSF unless the force dissolved. The army told soldiers seconded to the RSF to report to nearby army units, which could deplete RSF ranks if they obey.

The RSF leader, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti, called Burhan a “criminal” and a “liar”.

“We know where you are hiding and we will get to you and hand you over to justice, or you die just like any other dog,” Hemedti said.

Reuters/NAN