On Thursday, when the Sudanese army clashed with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) near downtown Khartoum sites, US intelligence expected a protracted struggle.
After two weeks of violence, both sides seem to be battling for control of the capital before engaging in any negotiations.
“Both sides believe they can win militarily and have few incentives to come to the negotiating table,” said Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence for the United States, addressing the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington.
The White House warned on Thursday that it may sanction Sudan destabilizers since bloodshed has continued despite repeated ceasefires.
The sudden escalation into warfare has killed hundreds, created a humanitarian catastrophe, pushed refugees to neighboring countries, and threatens to drag international troops into an already volatile region. Following a coup in 2021, the army and RSF fought for power, delaying efforts to restore democracy and civilian rule following a popular uprising in 2019 that deposed strongman Omar al-Bashir.
President Joe Biden called the violence a betrayal of the Sudanese people’s yearning for civilian governance and promised humanitarian assistance “when conditions permit.”
The latest seven-day truce was violated on Thursday when Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri were shelled and battled. The army attempted to remove the RSF from the presidential mansion and military command.
“There have been air strikes and clashes since yesterday evening and this morning,” said Khartoum engineer Al-Sadiq Ahmed, 49. We are always afraid since the battles take place in residential areas. “When will this terror and dread come to an end?”
Following the looting of six trucks, the UN urged warring factions to ensure aid delivery.
Martin Griffiths, the UN’s relief chief, said that he hoped to meet with all stakeholders in two to three days to get guarantees on assistance convoys.
The United Nations has warned that the army-RSF battle, which started on April 15, might lead to a humanitarian disaster that extends to neighboring countries.
Sudan recorded 550 dead and 4,926 wounded from the violence on Tuesday.
According to the United Nations, 100,000 Sudanese have fled to neighboring countries in search of food and water.
Human Rights Watch accused the warring sides on Thursday of reckless disregard for human life by using tanks, artillery, rockets, and airstrikes on populated areas.
The violence has damaged Khartoum’s economy, disrupted trade routes, threatened imports, and resulted in a cash shortage.
Across the capital, factories, banks, shops, and markets have been looted or damaged, power and water supplies have been disrupted, and residents have reported steep price increases and shortages of basic necessities.
The army claimed to kill RSF militants and destroy rebel vehicles after battling RSF in Bahri.
Prior to their split, the army and RSF shared authority as part of an internationally backed transition to free elections and civilian governance.
The RSF accused the army of breaking the cease-fire and fighting since the morning. It said the army bombarded their communities in a “cowardly” manner.
