Khartoum - The capital of Sudan, Khartoum, has been hit by air strikes and artillery, causing civilians to flee as rival military forces continue to fight for a third week, despite a ceasefire. The ongoing violence has resulted in hundreds of casualties and thousands injured since April 15, when a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) turned into an armed conflict. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when a UN envoy stated that the warring factions, who have previously refused to compromise, are now showing a greater openness to negotiation, although no date for talks has been confirmed. If the war persists, there are concerns that it could lead to wider instability.

Although Khartoum and neighbouring cities were shelled early in the morning, residents reported that the intensity of the fighting on Saturday was relatively lower than in previous days. However, the ongoing conflict has pushed Sudan towards a possible civil war, which has disrupted the country's efforts to transition towards democratic elections, which were previously supported by the international community. If the situation is not resolved soon, there are fears that it could lead to further instability in an already volatile region.

According to the United Nations (UN) special representative in Sudan, Volker Perthes, there has been a recent change in the attitudes of the warring factions in Sudan. Perthes stated that he has noticed a newfound openness to negotiations between the sides, which was not evident in the early stages of the conflict. He observed that the term "negotiations" or "talks" was not part of their discourse during the first week or so of fighting. While no specific date has been set for talks, this development offers some hope for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Volker Perthes, the UN special representative in Sudan, has revealed that both warring factions have nominated representatives for potential talks, which have been suggested to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia or Juba in South Sudan. However, there are practical concerns over whether the representatives would be able to travel to the proposed locations and physically meet. Perthes emphasized that the first priority was to establish a monitoring mechanism for the ceasefires, as it would create an environment conducive to negotiations.

According to Volker Perthes, the UN special representative in Sudan, both sides of the conflict have nominated representatives for talks in either Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, or Juba in South Sudan. However, there are practical concerns over whether the representatives can travel to the proposed locations to hold the talks. The most urgent task at present is the development of a monitoring mechanism for ceasefires. Perthes informed the Security Council that both sides believe they can win the conflict, but he also noted a change in their attitudes. Despite making previous statements that the other side had to "surrender or die," they are now expressing a willingness to engage in talks to some extent. This represents a significant shift in their mindset and a potential opening for peace negotiations.

According to the Sudanese health ministry, the ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in the deaths of 528 people and 4,599 others injured. These numbers are slightly higher than the United Nations' estimates, which believes that the actual toll is much greater. The United Nations also reported that over 75,000 people have been displaced internally due to the fighting.

Former Sudanese Prime Minister, Abdalla Hamdok, spoke at a conference in Nairobi, emphasizing the need for the conflict to come to an end. He warned that the ramifications of the war could extend beyond Sudan and have destabilizing effects on the wider region. The severity of the situation demands urgent and sustained efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Former Sudanese Prime Minister, Abdalla Hamdok, spoke at a conference in Nairobi and highlighted the scale and complexity of the conflict in Sudan. He warned that the situation is not simply a small rebellion against the army but is more like a battle between two well-trained and well-armed armies. He also stressed that Sudan is a large and diverse country and that the implications of the ongoing conflict could have far-reaching and destabilizing effects on the wider world. Given the complexity of the conflict and the scale of its potential impact, it is imperative that all parties involved work towards a peaceful resolution as quickly as possible.

Tens of thousands of people have fled to neighboring countries due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, and foreign governments have organized a major evacuation of expatriates from the country. According to Saudi state broadcaster Alekhbaiya, a passenger ship carrying 1,982 people from 17 countries will arrive at Jeddah port on Saturday, and almost 5,000 people have already arrived.


In addition to the evacuations being organized by other countries, Britain has announced that its evacuations will come to an end on Saturday as demand for spots on planes has declined. The safety and well-being of citizens and expatriates in Sudan are of paramount concern, and the ongoing evacuation efforts highlight the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to widespread violence and instability, with much of the fighting taking place in the capital city of Khartoum. The RSF fighters are reportedly embedded in residential areas, making it difficult for residents to escape the violence. Many people are facing a shortage of basic necessities such as water, food, fuel, and power.

In addition to the fighting in Khartoum, the conflict has also reignited a long-standing conflict in the western Darfur region. In recent days, scores of people have died in the region. The violence has left many people stranded and in need of urgent assistance.

For example, a 23-year-old pregnant woman named Zamzam Adam reported that she was in labour and alone when armed militias attacked and pillaged her village near the town of El Geneina in Darfur. Her neighbours fled across the border into Chad, leaving her stranded and in need of urgent medical attention. The situation in Sudan is dire, and there is an urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

According to U.N. human rights office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani, at least 96 people have died in inter-communal violence in the Darfur region since Monday, which was reignited by the conflict between the army and the RSF. Pregnant 23-year-old Zamzam Adam stated that armed militias attacked and pillaged her village near the town of El Geneina in the western Darfur region, forcing her and other villagers to flee across the border into Chad. The fighting has been particularly intense in Khartoum, with RSF fighters embedded in residential areas, leaving residents trapped by urban warfare with limited access to essential resources.