Despite mounting pressure for rival groups to cease fighting, sounds of gunfire are still being heard in Sudan’s capital Khartoum.
The Sudanese army and a paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are allegedly still engaged in a fierce battle to control the military headquarters in the capital.
A Sudanese democracy campaigner, Hala Y Alkarib said very loud artillery sounds could be heard in Khartoum
“There is nowhere to go because it’s more dangerous to step out and there are no safe routes,” she said, adding that the situation in Khartoum is “extremely deteriorating”.
Speaking on News Central’s NC Continental Prime, Elbashir Idris said this is not surprising because “The situation stems from post-2019, following the Sudanese revolution led by the people that unfortunately found itself hijacked by the army.”
“We did have a power-sharing agreement between the military and the civilian, however, unfortunately, that transitional period has ended.”
“The civilians of Sudan are facing the consequences of actions that have essentially piled up in this power grab. It is almost a coup d’état”
Reports indicate that bombings and heavy gunfire have also been heard around the general command on Tuesday morning, Khartoum airport, Khartoum Bahri, and other places in Omdurman.
Both sides have claimed control of the army command as well as the main airport.
“The Sudanese people have been under a very harsh and brutal Intelligence service for the past years which they have fought against.
“At this point, the civilian and military trust is completely broken, regardless of the outcome. There are no real winners, the only losers are the Sudanese people,” Idris added.
As the conflict enters its fourth day, and the death toll reaches nearly 200, numerous global appeals have been made for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
Sudan’s paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has however agreed to a 24-hour ceasefire, to allow safe passage of civilians and for humanitarian aid. Head of RSF Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, popularly known as Hemedti, said the deal had been reached.