Fighting between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces ( RSF) erupted early morning today. The sounds of shelling were heard in Khartoum city. Bothe forces claimed they were attacked first. The RSF claimed their base in Soba south of Khartoum was attacked early morning by military forces, the latter claimed their bases in Khartoum were attacked. The escalation of tension between the forces led to contradicted claims of control over Khartoum International Airport, the presidential palace and other strategic institutions. Bridges and transportation between Khartoum’s three cities were closed, the international airport is closed. The military air force was seen starting to fly over strategic areas in Khartoum. Reports of civilians injured are increasing across Khartoum. Women peace and security in Sudan is at major risk. Women WHRDs and women groups in Sudan are facing unprecedent risks to their safety and ability to work.
The tension between the Sudanese military and the RSF escalated in the last couple of weeks upon the efforts for reaching a political deal to end the military coup of October 25th, 2021. Sudanese military entered in conflict with the RSF leadership around the security sector reforms planned to be integrated in the political deal. A framework agreement was signed last December was designed to restore civilians control on power. But the deal collapse last week as the Sudanese military wanted fast process of RSF integration in the military within 2 years, while the RSF demanded 10 years minimum for the integration.
Sudan has been living under the threat of a wider conflict since the military coup of October 2021. The country is led by the military and the militias of the RSF since the fall of the transitional government. There is escalating violence in Darfur, Blue Nile and Kordofan since the military takeover in 2021.
The pictures of injured civilians, the terrorized women hostesses in the airport and shelling inside neighborhood of Khartoum are increasing the fears for the safety of civilians. The Sudanese military and RSF are known for breaking the international laws of protection of civilian. Women peace and security in Sudan is at major risk. Women WHRDs and women groups in Sudan are facing unprecedent risks to their safety and ability to work. The situation is predicted to escalate within the next few hours and days. International and regional actors must take action to call for end of escalation and provide urgent support to Sudanese people, and protect women from the increasing violence.
