The ongoing conflict in Sudan, marked by intense clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has escalated significantly as the two factions engage in fierce fighting near the strategically important al-Jili oil refinery, located north of Khartoum. This escalation comes against a backdrop of deep-rooted tensions that have embroiled the nation in violence since April 2023, following a breakdown in relations between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo.
Sources indicate that the Sudanese army has made notable advances toward the refinery, engaged in direct confrontations with RSF forces. Witnesses in Khartoum have reported billowing smoke across extensive areas, alongside social media footage suggesting that the army has seized control of the town’s entrance. Al Jazeera correspondent Hiba Morgan noted the army’s commitment to regain control of lost territory, emphasizing that while progress has been made, the refinery itself remains contested ground.
In addition to the situation in Khartoum, tensions have intensified in el-Fasher, where the RSF issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the army to withdraw from the city. Following the expiration of this ultimatum, the army reportedly launched air raids targeting RSF positions, leading to further violence in the region. The conflict has prompted significant concern, with heavy weaponry being utilized by both sides, particularly around the Zarqa buildings complex in Khartoum North.
The humanitarian toll of this conflict has been dire, with the UN’s refugee agency, UNHCR, documenting the displacement of over 12 million individuals since the violence erupted. Moreover, it reported that more than one million fled to neighboring South Sudan, many of whom are South Sudanese nationals displaced by their own country’s civil war.
In a separate but related development, authorities in South Sudan have suspended access to social media platforms, including Facebook and TikTok, for a minimum of 30 days. This decision follows unrest triggered by videos of alleged killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan’s Gezira state, which has led to violent riots and the tragic loss of 16 Sudanese lives last week across various regions, including the capital, Juba.
As the violence in both Sudan and South Sudan unfolds, the international community remains watchful, urging all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and address the root causes of the conflict.
This ongoing crisis not only highlights the pressing need for humanitarian assistance but also underscores the resilience of the communities affected by these tumultuous events as they strive for a return to stability. The path toward peace remains challenging, but ongoing dialogue and international support are crucial to rebuilding lives and restoring order in the region.
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