15 Apr 2023 | 11:20 PM UTC
Sudan: Clashes ongoing nationwide as of April 16 /update 3
Clashes are ongoing across Sudan, especially in Khartoum, as of April 16. Khartoum International Airport closed.
Event
Clashes between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and regular Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) continue in several areas of the country as of April 16. Airstrikes, explosions, and heavy machine gun fire have been reported in several cities, especially in Khartoum. The Sudanese Doctors' Union said that at least 25 people had been killed and over 400 hundred others injured in the fighting. The casualties were registered in several areas, including Khartoum's airport, Nyala, El Obeid, and North Darfur's capital El Fasher; however, it remains unclear if the victims are civilians. Casualty figures will likely increase over the coming days.
The clashes began at approximately 09:00 on April 15 and were triggered by persistent tensions between the two security groups. Both the RSF and SAF have blamed the other for initiating the violence. The government has labeled the RSF a 'rebel' force. Dozens of combatants have been killed or injured in the violence.
Khartoum
Clashes in Khartoum have occurred in several areas, including Bahri (Khartoum North), near Sports City in the south of the city, and near prominent government buildings in the city center, such as the army command and Presidential Palace. SAF airstrikes have been reported in some areas of the city, including against RSF positions at Camp Taiba and Camp Soba. A heavy SAF presence has been reported in the city. The RSF has claimed to be in control of Khartoum International Airport (KRT) and the Presidential Palace. This has not been independently confirmed. RSF and SAF forces have clashed near the radio and television headquarters in Omdurman. The continued fighting between RAF and SAF has prompted power outages in several areas of the city.
KRT has reportedly suspended operations. RSF forces have been reported in the airport facility. EgyptAir (MS) has suspended flights to Khartoum for 72 hours. Saudia (SV) has also announced flight suspensions. At least one SV airplane has been damaged at KRT.
Bridges across the Nile have been closed.
Elsewhere
In Merowe, clashes between SAF and RSF are ongoing near a local military base. There are conflicting claims about who is in control of the area. Violence has also occurred in El Fasher (North Darfur) and parts of South Darfur, while RSF has claimed to have captured the airport in El-Obeid (EBD).
Embassy warnings
The US Embassy in Khartoum issued a security alert on April 15 warning of heavy gunfire in several areas of Khartoum. Embassy personnel have been ordered, and US nationals are encouraged to shelter in place. The UK government has advised its nationals to remain indoors. The French government has urged its nationals to stay at home and remain away from doors and windows.
Security forces will almost certainly deploy widely in impacted locations and nationwide in response to the violence. Officials could close additional roads to contain the spread of the violence. Routes near military bases, government buildings, telecommunications centers, and strategic transport nodes are likely to be impacted. Authorities could also temporarily suspend flights at other airports, close international borders, and restrict internal travel. The implementation of curfews and the suspension of telecommunications is also possible. The violence could trigger protests by supporters of either the government or RSF or groups opposed to the insecurity. Any demonstrations that occur are likely to be dispersed and are likely to result in further disruptions. If the violence is protracted, disruptions to the supply of goods and electricity may occur.
Advice
Shelter in place until the situation becomes clearer. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Persons planning to travel to Sudan should consider deferring travel until the situation becomes clearer. Avoid concentrations of security personnel. Avoid all protests. Liaise with trusted contacts for further information. Reconfirm all flights if scheduled to fly to, from, or via Sudan in the coming days. Reconfirm the status of road routes before traveling. Travel with identification. Conserve battery power on essential equipment, such as mobile phones. Conserve basic supplies, including food and water.
