On April 15, fighting erupted in Sudan’s capital city Khartoum, between the military regime’s two main factions: the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

So far, the violence has resulted in the deaths of 420 people, including 264 civilians. A further 3,700 people have been wounded by the conflict.

The conflict has also triggered a humanitarian crisis, as thousands of civilians flee their homes and foreign nationals are evacuated.

Here’s a brief explainer on what’s behind the violence and what you can do to help.

THE BACKGROUND

Back in 2019, Sudan’s dictatorial leader Omar al-Bashir was ousted from power by the military after months of protests and civil uprisings. A transitional government was put in place but eventually brought down by another coup in October 2021 by the SAF and RSF. Since then, the country has been run by the army, with Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan as de facto ruler and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, as his deputy.

However, there have since been disputes over who is in charge of key locations, such as airports, air bases and the presidential palace, and a fierce rivalry has spawned between the two men. Hemedti has since said the 2021 coup was a “mistake” which failed to bring about change.

Burhan promised that elections would take place after the October 2021 coup. “The armed forces will continue completing the democratic transition until the handover of the country’s leadership to a civilian, elected government,” he said in a statement at the time, adding that the country’s constitution would be rewritten and a new legislative body formed.

But it appears that Burhan is keen to hold on to power – and Hemedti, who has often chafed at his role as deputy – is equally keen to wrest it from him. Burhan has the backing of the SAF, while the RSF back Hemedti.

Some commentators have described the conflict as a “battle of egos”, given that the conflict seems centred around a personal rivalry between the two men, as opposed to any ideological differences or disagreements.

THE CURRENT SITUATION

Tensions were brought to a head by an internationally-backed plan to launch a new transition with civilian parties. Both the SAF and the RSF were required to cede power under the new plan, and two clauses proved to be particularly contentious: civilian oversight of the military, and integration of the RSF into the regular armed forces. 

Initially, Hemedti had wanted to use the new plan as an opportunity for the RSF to become more autonomous – not less. Additionally, the SAF have suggested that the RSF should be integrated into the army within two years, while the RSF have argued that it should happen much slower, within 10 years.

When fighting broke out on April 15, both sides blamed the other for provoking the violence. The SAF accused the RSF of illegal mobilisation without the SAF’s permission, while the RSF said the SAF had tried to seize full power in a plot with Bashir loyalists. 

The sudden escalation has left thousands of foreigners, including diplomats and aid workers in the country. A number of countries – including the UK, US, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states – have closed their embassies and are working to evacuate their nationals. 

The impact on locals has been devastating. According to figures from the United Nations (UN), more than 420 people have been killed and over 3,700 wounded. Khartoum has seen the most intense violence, with air strikes and tanks firing in populous districts. Most of the city’s five million people are continuing to shelter at home without electricity, food or water. Sudan is one of the world’s poorest nations and could be on the brink of a humanitarian disaster.

In the long term, the conflict has also dashed hopes that Sudan could become a democratic nation following the toppling of Bashir.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

There are a number of places where you can donate to help the Sudanese people.

Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA) is working on the ground in Sudan to provide emergency relief to victims of the ongoing conflict. Through their website, you can make a donation to help relief efforts in Sudan. You also have the option of sending $50 to an individual, $100 to fund medical supplies and resources, or provide humanitarian relief for $250.

Islamic Relief is also accepting donations to help provide Sudanese people and families with essentials such as shelter and water.

Save The Children have also launched an emergency appeal for funding to support their efforts in providing care for children under the age of five and pregnant women. You can also make a donation to help support Sudanese children via Unicef.

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