Sudan: Further clashes likely nationwide in coming days as fighting continues as of April 16 /update 5

Event

Further deadly clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) remain likely over the coming hours and days across Sudan as violence continues as of late April 16. The death toll from fighting in several areas of the country has risen to an estimated 61 people; hundreds of others have been wounded. Casualty figures will likely increase over the coming days. Airstrikes, explosions, and heavy machine gunfire have been reported in several cities, especially in Khartoum. Fighting in Port Sudan was also reported for the first time on early April 16.

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.

Khartoum
Clashes in Khartoum have occurred in several areas, including Bahri (Khartoum North), near Sports City in the south, and prominent government buildings in the city center, including 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 town. Fighting remains heavy around Khartoum International Airport (KRT) and the Presidential Palace April 16. RSF and SAF forces have also clashed near Omdurman's radio and television headquarters. The continued fighting between RAF and SAF has prompted power outages in several areas of the city.

KRT has suspended operations. Several airlines, including UAE and Saudi Arabian-based companies, have also suspended flights to the country. Some airlines are also avoiding travel over Sudanese airspace. MTN telecommunications provider reportedly shut down internet services after being ordered by a Sudanese government agency. Bridges across the Nile have been closed.

Elsewhere
Fighting has also been reported in Ad-Damazin, El Fasher, El Geneina, El Obeid, Meroe, Nyala, and Port Sudan. SAF officials claim to have captured RSF bases and headquarters in Port Sudan, Kassala, Gedaref, Ad-Damazin, Kosti, Kadugli, and Karari.

Embassy Warnings
Several foreign governments have issued travel advisories for the country in response to the ongoing armed conflict.

The French Embassy in Sudan has closed until further notice and advised its nationals to remain indoors and away from windows and doors. The US Embassy has issued a similar advisory, asking citizens to shelter in place, and also noted that there are no plans for a US-coordinated evacuation of US nationals as of yet.

The British and Canadian governments have updated their advisory, asking their citizens in-country to remain indoors and advising against all travel to Sudan. The Australian and Chinese embassies have advised their nationals to avoid leaving their residences.

In response to developments, foreign governments will likely adjust their advisories and travel recommendations to Sudan over the coming days. Embassy operations may also be curtailed at times in response to security assessments. Further temporary closures cannot be ruled out.

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 will likely be impacted. Authorities could 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. If the violence becomes protracted, shortages of essential goods, including food, will likely materialize.

Context

The clashes between the RSF and SAF come after the former launched a series of attacks against key government sites on April 15. Despite calls for the end of hostilities by the international community, rival factions have indicated that they are not interested in negotiations.

The RSF mainly evolved out of the Janjaweed militias, which had been organized by former President Omar Bashir to put down an uprising in Darfur in 2003. Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, who is widely known as Hemedti, currently serves as the commander of the group. The RSF is separate from the Sudanese regular military and has been competing for power and resources for years. In 2013, Bashir reshaped the group into a paramilitary organization by giving its leaders military ranks.

Advice

Shelter in place until the clashes end. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Persons planning to travel to Sudan should consider deferring travel until the situation stabilizes. Avoid concentrations of security personnel. Liaise with trusted contacts for further information. Reconfirm all flights if scheduled to fly to, from, or via Sudan over 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.

Resources

French Embassy in Sudan
US Embassy in Sudan
UK Foreign Travel Advice
Australian Government (Smartraveller)
Government of Canada - Sudan Travel Advice
German Embassy in Sudan
Embassy of Japan in Sudan