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| The power struggle between two generals: Sudan military civil war kills 56 |
A power struggle in Sudan between the army and a powerful paramilitary force has turned into a civil war, and so far more than 50 civilians have been killed in clashes between the two armed groups.
Civilians have been fighting for their lives in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, as warring forces battled for control of the presidential palace, state television, and military headquarters.
It should be noted that a military general is ruling Sudan since 2021. However, the leaders of the two major factions, army chief General Abdul Fateh Burhan and paramilitary force Rapid Support Forces chief General Muhammad Hamdan are at loggerheads over handing over power to civilian rulers.
In the current situation, both sides claim to control the main points of the capital, including the airport.
On the other hand, there have been reports of fighting in cities near Khartoum, during which military aircraft also bombarded RSF bases.
Citizens of Khartoum told the BBC about the atmosphere of fear. According to an organization of Sudanese doctors, 56 civilians have been killed so far, while dozens of soldiers have also been killed and about 600 injured.
Meanwhile, three employees of the United Nations World Food Program were also killed when the two sides clashed at a military base in Kabakabiya City.
It should be noted that this fight is taking place between the army chief General Abdul Fateh Burhan and factions supporting the head of RSF and deputy leader of the country Muhammad Hamdan.
Sudan's military says the fighting will continue until the paramilitary force RSF is disbanded, while the RSF says its troops will continue fighting until all military bases are captured.
What is the reason for the fight?
It should be noted that the proposal to return power to civilian rulers in Sudan is under consideration. However, the implementation of this proposal has been stalled due to the issue of integrating the paramilitary force called RSF into the regular army.
The RSF wants this task to be deferred for 10 years, but the army wants to integrate the RSF within two years. There is also a dispute over who will lead the new army after the merger.
The strength of RSF soldiers is around one lakh and the head of RSF General Hamdan Malik is also the Vice President of the country. The force also controls some of Sudan's gold mines.
The force was formed in 2013 and has since played a role in several conflicts, including in Yemen and Libya.
The force has also been accused of human rights violations and is considered a cause of instability in the country.
It should be remembered that in 2021 a new government was formed as a result of a military coup in which military generals run the country under a council.
The country was previously governed under a power-sharing agreement between military and civilian leaders that began when Sudan's long-time ruler, Omar al-Bashir, was ousted.
However, there have been demonstrations in favor of democracy from time to time in Khartoum.
An atmosphere of fear
In the city of Khartoum, videos of civilians saving their lives can be seen while black smoke is visible in the air of the city. A Reuters journalist said there were armored vehicles in the streets.
A civil plane also caught fire at Khartoum airport. According to Saudi Airlines, shots were fired at one of its planes, after which Saudi and Egyptian airlines suspended flights.
An eyewitness told the BBC that local people were completely unaware of the clashes and were suddenly caught in the middle of the fighting.
A civilian named Dua Tariq was speaking to the BBC when a military plane flew over her house. He said that they are shooting on the roof of the house next door.
The United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have called for a ceasefire, while the United Nations Secretary-General, speaking to the heads of warring military groups in Sudan, insisted on stopping the fighting.