Nairobi – The ongoing violent conflict between Sudan’s opposing generals, Abdel-Fattah Burhan and Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, is causing concern about the country’s shift from autocratic rule to civilian leadership.
The fighting, which started two weeks ago has resulted in over 500 deaths in Khartoum and nearby towns, could potentially escalate into civil war, endangering the progress made since the overthrow of former dictator Omar al-Bashir four years ago.
The conflict is a power struggle for control of the resource- rich nation with a population of over 46 million people.
Both generals have significant military presence in the capital and regions across the country , making the situation even more unstable.
The two genrtals’ power struggle is rooted in disagreements over the integration of Dagalo’s RSF into the regular army, which is essential for returning the country to civilian rule and ending the political and economic crisis following the 2021 military coup.
The RSF has a controversial past, having originated from the Janjaweed militia responsible for alleged war crimes and genocide in Darfur.
The international community expressed alarm over the devastating conflict and has called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further escalation.
The United Nations, African Union, United States, and European Union have urged the warring parties to restore calm and initiate a dialogue to resolve the crisis.
The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, UN Secretary- General Antonio Guterres, and EU High Representative Josep Borrell have also emphasized the potential impact of the conflict on the country and the wider region.
The recent events highlight the challenges that Sudan faces in transitioning to democracy and the importance of continued support from the international community to prevent a return to authoritarianism or civil war.
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