After the events of Saturday, April 15, 2023, when gunshots were reported near the presidential palace in the capital Khartoum, Sudan is presently experiencing security and political unrest.
It was discovered that the Janjaweed militia, a paramilitary group now known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSP), was attempting to overthrow the Abdul Fattah Al-Burhan-led military regime.
The military government’s second-in-command Mohammed Hamdan Daglo, who is in charge of the RSF, looks to be at the center of the hostilities after they had a falling out with Burhan.
Social media users posted videos demonstrating how the RSF had seized control of several important facilities in the capital, including the primary international airport.
According to flight information observed, practically all airlines have cancelled inbound and outbound flights, and flights are also avoiding Sudanese airspace.
The army is also contradicting RSF reports that an attack had been started against the government building but that it had been stopped.
Daglo is quoted to have said in an interview this morning as posted on the RSF’s Twitter handle, “We have not had any contacts with “Al-Burhan” so far, and Al-Burhan is besieged, he only has to surrender.”
In declarations, the United States, the United Nations, and neighbouring Kenya have all urged restraint.
Anthony Blinken, the secretary of state for the US, released a statement urging a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Concerns were also voiced by the UN Secretary General, and South Sudan, Sudan’s southern neighbour, also released a statement on the matter.
The president of Kenya, William Ruto, expressed concerns in Nairobi as well.
After longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir was overthrown in 2021, Sudan’s current military administration was established.
The military consolidated power and was successful in driving out the civilians while the junta was supposed to share authority with a group of citizen protesters in preparation for a civilian transition. According to some experts, the events of April 15 represented a struggle between the Sudan Armed Forces and the RSF for ultimate control of the nation.
