Sudan: Authorities order foreign nationals to leave Khartoum State by July 26; further clashes likely nationwide through at least late July /update 51

Further clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) will likely occur through at least late July. Fighting has occurred in Khartoum, the neighboring city of Omdurman, Sennar State, South Kordofan State, Al Gezira, and the Darfur region. Rising intercommunal violence has also contributed to the deterioration of the security situation in Darfur. Airstrikes, explosions, and heavy machine gunfire have been reported in several locations across the nation's capital, including in the vicinity of Khartoum International Airport (KRT).

Severe internet and mobile phone service disruptions have occurred nationwide. Moreover, food, water, medicine, and fuel supplies are limited, including in Khartoum. Since the start of the conflict, fighting has left more than 15,550 people dead and many thousands of others wounded. As of early July, the conflict has displaced approximately 11 million people, both within Sudan and across its borders.

Travel disruptions
Sudan's airspace is open; however, Chad's land border with Sudan remains closed until further notice. No other neighboring countries have formally taken similar measures, although land borders are almost certainly under heightened surveillance.

Khartoum
Authorities in Khartoum State have ordered all foreign nationals to leave the state by 23:59 on July 26 due to reports of foreign fighters among RSF. The move comes amid the ongoing armed conflict. While the order was likely issued out of an abundance of caution, the Sudanese Director of the Foreigners and Immigration Control Department, Col. Nizar Khalil, in consultation with the Khartoum State Security Coordination Committee, announced on July 12 that the measure is to ensure the safety of foreign nationals amid ongoing domestic security challenges.

The head of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, announced on July 12 that the Federal Government of Nigeria had evacuated an undisclosed number of its citizens from Sudan following the issuance of the expulsion order. Reports further indicate increased hostility towards foreign nationals residing in Sudan, particularly those nationals from other African nations, due to alleged foreign mercenaries involved in the conflict and the increased associated risk of abduction. It remains unknown if consequential judicial actions could be imposed on those who violate the order. Moreover, it remains unknown if the eviction also includes foreign nationals engaged in humanitarian response operations.

Large areas of Khartoum remain contested, including in the city center near KRT, the Presidential Palace, Khartoum North, part of Omdurman, and near some of the Nile bridges. The SAF reportedly targets RSF positions with occasional airstrikes. It is unclear which side retains control of critical infrastructure and military installations. Fighting between the RSF and SAF has caused power outages and water shortages in several areas. Most hospitals are closed or operating at reduced capacity due to damage and lack of medicine. Authorities have also imposed an indefinite curfew on pedestrian and vehicular movement between the hours of 23:00-5:00, with all commercial activities also being banned nightly during the same time frame.

Criminal incidents persist in the Khartoum area despite authorities deploying additional police to combat looting, home invasions, assaults, and carjackings. Artillery fire and criminal elements have also targeted aid workers and their facilities, as well as other civilians.

Other Areas
Clashes have occurred nationwide, including in Sennar State, South Kordofan, White Nile, and Al Gezira states. On June 29, the RSF captured Singa, the capital of Sennar State, bringing the conflict to Gedaref and Blue Nile States as well as the Ethiopian border. Still, heavy fighting between rival tribes has been reported in several locations, resulting in an unspecified number of civilian casualties. It is unclear whether SAF or RSF forces have been involved in these clashes. While the status of the previously active states of emergency in Al-Gadarif, South Kordofan, North Kordofan, and Red Sea states is not immediately clear, authorities in Al-Gezira are enforcing a dusk-to-dawn curfew until further notice.

Security forces on both sides will almost certainly remain deployed nationwide, particularly around routes near military bases, government buildings, telecommunications centers, and strategic transport hubs. Further state-of-emergency declarations are likely. Disruptions to road travel, airports, border crossings, internet and mobile phone services, and access to essential goods are probable. Local authorities may also impose curfews. Amid the ongoing armed conflict, increased security measures are certain in Khartoum State. Authorities could impose further enhanced security measures on foreign nationals abroad