Turmoil in Sudan Continues: Airstrikes, Darfur Clashes, and Failed Ceasefires

The conflict between the Sudanese army and the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to escalate, with no signs of resolution. On July 16, 2023, Khartoum was subjected to airstrikes and intense fighting occurred in Sudan’s western Darfur region.

Airstrikes in Khartoum

Army fighter jets targeted RSF bases in Khartoum’s eastern and northwestern regions, and the RSF responded with anti-aircraft weaponry. A local neighborhood group in Ombada reported at least five fatalities and 17 injuries from a blast, with the casualty count expected to rise. Witnesses also claim that RSF drones targeted Khartoum’s largest military hospital.

Failed Ceasefires

Efforts to end the violence have not been fruitful, and several ceasefires have been unsuccessful. Truce talks brokered by Saudi Arabia and the United States were adjourned last month after multiple ceasefires failed. On July 15, as the war entered its fourth month, an army delegation reportedly returned to the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah to resume truce discussions.

Clashes in Darfur

In the Darfur region, witnesses reported heavy clashes involving various types of weapons in the town of Kas, located about 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of South Darfur’s state capital, Nyala. The paramilitary forces claim a “major victory” in Kas, where RSF fighters reportedly broke into and looted houses.

Allegiance to RSF

The RSF also welcomed the decision by an East Darfur police force to integrate with the RSF after local tribal leaders in South Darfur pledged allegiance to the paramilitaries. The interior ministry released a statement asserting that the police remain Khartoum’s “strongest supporter” and commended their efforts throughout the country.

Darfur’s Humanitarian Crisis

Darfur, home to around a quarter of Sudan’s 48 million people, has seen entire towns destroyed, with reports of mass civilian deaths and ethnically charged assassinations attributed to the RSF and allied Arab militias. The RSF denies a recent Human Rights Watch report detailing the summary execution of at least 28 ethnic Massalit individuals and the complete destruction of the town of Misterei in West Darfur state.

Origin of RSF

The RSF originated from the Janjaweed militia, which was armed and deployed against ethnic minority rebels in Darfur in the early 2000s. The conflict resulted in the deaths of over 300,000 people and the displacement of 2.5 million, according to United Nations estimates. The International Criminal Court charged former dictator Omar al-Bashir with offenses including genocide due to the atrocities committed during that time.

New Investigation

The court’s chief prosecutor has initiated a new investigation into suspected war crimes in the current conflict, including sexual violence and the targeting of civilians based on their ethnicity. While the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project documented approximately 3,000 deaths, the actual number of fatalities is speculated to be much higher. Three million people have either been internally displaced or forced to flee across borders, as estimated by the International Organization for Migration.