Sudan Plunged into Chaos as Military Rivals Clash in Gunfire and Explosions Across Capital

On the morning of Saturday, the 15th of April 2023, Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan, was plunged into chaos as two factions of the country’s armed forces engaged in violent conflict. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claimed to have taken control of several key locations in the city, including the presidential palace, the state TV station, the residence of the army chief, and Khartoum International Airport. Reports of gunfire and explosions echoed throughout the city, as air force jets were seen attacking targets over Khartoum.

The sudden eruption of violence followed weeks of mounting tensions between the RSF and Sudan’s military, with both sides accusing each other of instigating the ongoing conflict. The dispute stemmed from plans to integrate both forces as part of a fragile transition to democracy, a move that now appears to be in further jeopardy.

The fighting was captured on videos posted on social media, revealing air force jets patrolling the skies, soldiers firing in the streets, and armored vehicles speeding through residential areas. Civilians were seen running for cover as the conflict raged on, with doctors reporting that at least three civilians had been killed in the fighting.

The U.S. Ambassador to Sudan, John Godfrey, was among those caught in the crossfire, tweeting that he had woken to the disturbing sounds of gunfire and was now sheltering with U.S. Embassy staff in Khartoum. In response, Godfrey urgently called on senior military leaders to stop the fighting, warning that the escalation of tensions within the military was extremely dangerous.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also expressed concern about the reports of violence, calling for calm on both sides. In a statement, Blinken said, “We urge all parties to immediately cease hostilities and seek a peaceful resolution to the current crisis. The people of Sudan deserve stability and security, and we stand with them during this difficult time.”

An army official told Al Jazeera that the RSF had attacked its forces and were trying to seize control of the military headquarters. The RSF, on the other hand, claimed that the army had started the conflict by attacking its base in the south of Khartoum.

The outbreak of violence in Sudan’s capital is a worrying sign for the country’s fragile transition to democracy. The government must take urgent action to de-escalate tensions and prevent further bloodshed. The international community must also support efforts to bring peace and stability to Sudan, ensuring that the country does not slip back into the chaos and violence of the past.