Violent fighting erupted in central Khartoum today as the Sudanese army attempted to drive out the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from areas surrounding the presidential palace and military headquarters, making a lasting ceasefire elusive. Both sides seem to be vying for control of areas in the capital ahead of potential negotiations, yet the leaders of both factions have not publicly shown willingness to engage in talks as fighting has continued for over two weeks. Heavy shelling was also reported in the neighboring cities of Omdurman and Bahri. Although both parties agreed to extend a ceasefire for seven days, it was subsequently violated.
"Since last night, and this morning, there have been airstrikes and sounds of clashes. We are in a constant state of fear as battles rage around residential neighborhoods. We do not know when this nightmare and fear will end," said 49-year-old engineer Al-Sadiq Ahmed from Khartoum.
**Arab League**
Arab League spokesperson Jamal Rushdi stated that Arab foreign ministers will meet at the League's headquarters in Cairo next Sunday to discuss the conflict that erupted in Sudan.
**White House**
U.S. President Joe Biden issued an executive order allowing for sanctions against those destabilizing Sudan. He confirmed in a statement that "the U.S. government stands ready to support humanitarian efforts in Sudan when conditions permit," warning that "the violence in Sudan is a betrayal of the people's demands for a civilian government and a transition to democracy."
U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines anticipated on Thursday that the conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF would "likely" persist, as both factions believe they can achieve military victory. She added in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee that "neither side has much incentive to sit at the negotiating table." She further noted that the adversaries are seeking "external sources of support," which, if available, "will likely exacerbate the conflict and increase challenges in the region."
Haines warned that the ongoing violence has worsened "already dire humanitarian conditions" and forced relief organizations to scale back operations amid increasing concerns of "massive refugee flows." In the evening, the U.S. State Department announced that it had facilitated the departure of over 2,000 individuals from Sudan since violence erupted last April.
**United Nations**
The United Nations pressured both sides on Wednesday to secure a safe passage for delivering humanitarian aid after six trucks carrying humanitarian supplies were looted. The UN warned that the fighting between the army and RSF, which erupted on April 15, threatens to cause a humanitarian disaster that could extend to other countries. About 100,000 people have fled Sudan to neighboring countries without food or water.
Martin Griffiths, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, expressed hope to meet face-to-face with both sides in the next two or three days to obtain guarantees for the safe delivery of humanitarian supplies.
**Egypt's Mediation Efforts**
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry conducted telephone conversations on Thursday with the foreign ministers of Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Algeria, Jordan, Djibouti, and Kenya to coordinate positions regarding Syria and Sudan.
**Japan**
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on Thursday that he had "discussed the situation in Sudan with African leaders and would seek to contribute to achieving stability there." He added during a press conference in Mozambique, at the conclusion of an African tour, that "Japan has no concrete plans for high-level talks with China."
The military reported killing members of the RSF and destroying "several of the rebels' combat vehicles" after clashes in the Bahri military area.
**Parties to the Conflict**
The army and RSF had united their forces in a coup two years ago and shared power as part of an internationally-backed transition to free elections and a civilian government before disputes arose between them. The RSF accused the army of violating the ceasefire and attacking their forces since dawn, asserting that the army targeted RSF residential neighborhoods with artillery and aircraft, calling it a "cowardly act."
**Evacuations**
The vessel "Amanah," the second-largest evacuation ship from Sudan, arrived at the port of Jeddah on Thursday evening, carrying 1,700 people from 33 countries. Yemenia Airlines informed the government that it could not conduct evacuation operations for Yemenis on Thursday due to attacks on aircraft at Khartoum Airport and the refusal of insurance companies to cover the flights.
