Welthungerhilfe warns of a “humanitarian tragedy” in Sudan. People now have no running water or electricity. The RSF paramilitary group, meanwhile, has said they have agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire – which is already crumbling.
According to media reports, fighting in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum continued despite the start of celebrations to mark the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. The paramilitary units (Rapid Support Forces) rivaling the Sudanese army had previously again agreed to a ceasefire from Friday morning (06:00 CEST) to open humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of civilians and allow them to families to see.
Meanwhile, the capital Khartoum was rocked early Friday by bombardments and artillery fire. The Sudanese military did not immediately comment. Ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan made no mention of a ceasefire in a pre-recorded speech on the army’s Facebook page.
At least 350 people have been killed in the violent power struggle between Sudan’s ruler, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the head of the RSF militia, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who was once his ally.
According to observers, the latest violence was sparked by a dispute over the inclusion of the RSF in the army as part of Sudan’s transition to civilian rule. The army staged a coup in October 2021 and has since ruled the country, which is one of the poorest in the world. Millions of people depend on humanitarian aid.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the Arab League called for the holidays to be used to call for a ceasefire. The US government also called for an end to violence in the country. US
people without electricity and water
The gold and oil-rich country of about 46 million inhabitants has been ruled since 2019 by a transitional military government, which should start a democratization process this month. Recurring violence and numerous conflicts left nearly 16 million people in the country dependent on humanitarian aid even before the current fighting began, according to the UN.
According to the United Nations, thousands of Khartoum residents have been trapped in their homes for days, many without electricity or running water. Food, petrol and medicines ran out. Only a few shops were open on Thursday and markets in the city were closed, according to a dpa reporter.
In addition, the health care system has all but collapsed, according to the Sudanese medical commission. According to eyewitnesses, bodies lay in the streets of the capital. Welthungerhilfe warned of “a humanitarian tragedy”.
Attacks on aid organizations
The World Food Program (WFP) warned on Thursday evening that millions more Sudanese could face hardship from the current conflict. It has temporarily suspended its food and cash aid. Children’s charity UNICEF said the escalating violence puts millions of children at risk. At least nine children were killed and more than 50 injured in the fighting.
Attacks on aid organizations and employees of international organizations have also increased in recent days. Particularly in the Darfur region in the west of the country, non-governmental organizations reported that offices and warehouses were looted. According to the WFP, about 4,000 tons of food has been stolen from South Darfur for starving people.
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.
