5 keys to understanding the violent clashes that have already left more than 100 dead and 1,000 injured in Sudan

Sudan has become the scene of violent clashes between members of the military and paramilitary militias known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF, for its acronym) for a third consecutive day.

The fighting in the capital Khartoum and elsewhere is the direct result of fierce fighting Power struggle in the army-ruled country. These clashes have so far left a balance of more than 100 dead and about 1,100 injured.

Residents of the capital were caught in the middle of gunfire as rival forces battled for control of the presidential palace, state television and army headquarters.

But why did violence break out in Sudan and what are the motives behind the conflict?

In this guide, we give you the keys to understanding what is happening in the African country.

1 – What is the background of the fighting?

Since one happened coup in October 2021Sudan is ruled by a council of generals. Two soldiers are at the center of the dispute.

On the one hand the General Abdel Fattah al-Burhanwho serves as the head of the armed forces and effectively holds the position of president of the country.

On the other hand, his deputy and leader of the RSF, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalobetter known as Hemedti.

They disagree on the direction the country is heading and the proposed transition to civilian rule.

One of the most contentious points refers to plans to include the RSF, comprising 100,000 troops, in the army and who would be in charge of the new force.

2 – Why did hostilities start on Saturday?

Violence erupted after members of the RSF were redeployed across the country, which the military interpreted as a threat.

It was hoped that the situation could be resolved through dialogue, but this never materialized.

It is not clear who fired the first shot on Saturday morning, but there are fears that hostilities could exacerbate an already volatile situation.

Diplomats have called on both sides for a ceasefire.

“The people of Sudan want their army back in their barracks. The people want a democracy and a government led by citizens. Sudan needs to get back on that path,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said from Japan, where he is attending a meeting of G7 foreign ministers.

In similar terms, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stated that the “future” of the country is in the hands of the warring generals and called on them to “put peace first, end the fighting and talks to resume”. .

3 – Who are the Rapid Support Forces?

The RSF formed in 2013 and have their origin in the infamous janjaweed militia, who fought relentlessly against the rebels in Darfur.

Since then, General Dagalo has built a powerful force that has intervened in conflicts in Yemen and Libya, and controls some gold mines in Sudan.

These forces have also been accused of human rights violations, including the massacre of more than 120 protesters in June 2019.

Such a powerful force outside the military is seen as a source of instability.

4 – Why is the army in charge of the country?

The weekend’s fights are the latest episode in the tension that followed the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019.

there were great street protests who called for the end of his rule of nearly three decades and the military staged a coup to remove him from power.

Only that the citizens continued to demand a role in the plan to move towards a democratic government.

A joint military-civilian government was then established, but it was overthrown by another hit in October 2021.

And since then, the rivalry between General Burhan and General Dagalo has intensified.

Last December, a framework agreement was reached to return power to citizens; however, talks to finalize the details failed.

5 – What can happen now?

If fighting continues, this situation could further fragment the country and exacerbate political unrest.

Diplomats, who have played a vital role in pushing for the return of civilian rule, are desperate for a way to bring the two generals to dialogue.

Regional leaders agreed on Sunday that three African leaders – the presidents of Kenya, South Sudan and Djibouti – would travel to Khartoum to try to promote a ceasefire and peace negotiations, but with Khartoum’s airport closed, it is unclear when the trip will take place.

However, the chance of an immediate end to the fighting seems remote. This was made clear by RSF leader General Daglo, who stated that his forces only repel “Islamic radicals who want to keep Sudan isolated and in limbo”.

“The battle we are fighting now is the price of democracy,” the uniformed man wrote on his Twitter account, also asking the community to intervene to stop his rival, General Burhan.

Meanwhile, it will be the Sudanese who will have to go through another period of uncertainty.

A human rights activist told the BBC from the Sudanese capital that people in Khartoum are without water and food after three days of fighting that left the city without power and shops closed.