The fighting in Sudan has surged in recent weeks, as rival factions of the military government battle for control of the capital, Khartoum, and the Darfur region. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has killed hundreds of people and displaced thousands more.
On Wednesday, June 22, 2023, heavy fighting broke out in Khartoum, as government forces clashed with protesters who are demanding a civilian government. The clashes left at least 11 people dead and dozens injured.
Meanwhile, in Darfur, the conflict between government forces and rebel groups has also intensified. On Tuesday, June 21, 2023, rebel forces attacked the town of Tawila, killing at least 20 people and displacing thousands more. The fighting in Sudan has raised concerns about a return to civil war.
The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire and has warned that the conflict could have a devastating impact on the country. The current conflict in Sudan is rooted in the country’s long history of political instability.
In 2019, a popular uprising forced longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir from power. However, the country’s transition to democracy has been rocky, and the military has repeatedly cracked down on protests. The fighting in Sudan is a reminder of the fragility of peace in the country.
It is also a reminder of the need for a political solution to the conflict. The international community must work to pressure the warring parties to reach a ceasefire and to negotiate a political settlement.
