The United States announced its willingness to resume its role as mediator in Sudan, on condition that both parties to the conflict demonstrate a serious intention to reach a cease-fire. After the army suspended its participation in the negotiations, a market in the capital Khartoum was subjected to heavy artillery shelling that killed at least 20 civilians, according to a committee of human rights lawyers.
The Sudanese army suspended its participation in the US-Saudi Arabia-sponsored dialogue, accusing the paramilitary power contenders of failing to live up to agreed commitments. The mediators hold both sides responsible for violating the cease-fire that was intended to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to an increasingly needy population.
Despite these developments, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated in Oslo that his country remains willing to mediate between the parties in Sudan, provided they show by their actions a serious intention to abide by the cease-fire.
The conflict in Sudan has pitted the army led by General Abdel Fatah al-Burhan against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, since April 15. The situation has become increasingly critical, and the violence continues unabated.
In one tragic incident, a market in southern Khartoum came under artillery fire and aerial bombardment by the army, resulting in the deaths of 18 civilians and more than 100 wounded. In addition, clashes were reported between FAR and civilians trying to prevent them from stealing a vehicle, resulting in the deaths of three civilians who were prevented from reaching the hospital.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan is alarming, with more than 1,800 people killed since the fighting began and more than one million displaced. It is estimated that around 25 million people, more than half of the country’s population, are in need of aid and protection. The lack of basic services such as running water, electricity, and adequate medical care exacerbates the situation, especially for the more than 13.6 million children in need of humanitarian assistance, including 620,000 in a state of acute malnutrition.
The conflict has spread to the Darfur region, on the border with Chad, where some areas are completely isolated and without basic services. The situation has led to fears of an “all-out civil war” due to calls to arm civilians.
Sudan faces the threat of famine and the risk of epidemics, especially with the upcoming rainy season. Lack of access to medical services and shortages of medical supplies further aggravate the situation, as most hospitals in combat zones are either out of service or have limited resources.