Tensions between the armed forces and paramilitary groups have escalated in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum. The RSF militia said it had taken control of the presidential palace, the residence of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the international airport in the capital Khartoum.
Earlier, the group said the army surrounded one of the RSF bases and opened fire with heavy weapons. Gunfire and explosions broke out in several districts of Khartoum on Saturday, including in the north, where the airport and presidential palace are located, and in the south of the city. There is the headquarters of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) group, which should actually be integrated into the state army.
fear of civil war
Only on Thursday did the Sudanese army warn against mobilizing the RSF. Observers saw the mobilization as a threatening gesture by powerful RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo against ruler and commander-in-chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Violent clashes were feared that could lead to a new civil war.
Since the overthrow of long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir in April 2019, the army led by General al-Burhan has controlled the country. The inclusion of the infamous RSF in the army is one of the most important conditions for the formation of a civilian government. Although the army and the RSF jointly staged a military coup in the fall of 2021, tensions between the two military leaders have been rising in recent months.
Transition to civilian government further delayed
The dispute is delaying the transition to civilian rule promised by ruler al-Burhan. Most recently, Daglo surprisingly spoke out in favor of a swift transition to civilian rule, opposing al-Burhan.
According to the original plans, al-Burhan should have withdrawn from the caretaker government by 2021 at the latest and the country should be run by civilians. Instead, the army seized power again and indefinitely postponed democratic elections. This week, the military postponed the appointment of a new prime minister and again postponed the transfer of power.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
