5 keys to understanding the violence that has already left more than 50 dead and 600 injured in Sudan

Sudan For the second day in a row, it has become the scene of violent clashes between members of the army and paramilitary militias known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF, for its acronym in English).

The fighting in the capital Khartoum and in other parts of the country, which is the direct result of a fierce Power fight within the country governed by the military, has so far left a balance of more than 50 dead and about 600 wounded.

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Residents of the capital were caught in the midst of gunfire as rival forces battled for control of the presidential palace, state television and army headquarters.

But why did violence break out in Sudan and what are the motives behind the conflict?

In this guide we give you the keys to understand what is happening in the African country.

1 – What is the background of the fighting?

Since there was a coup in October 2021Sudan has been governed by a council of generals and there are two soldiers at the center of the dispute.

On one side is the General Abdel Fattah al-Burhanwho is the head of the armed forces and, in fact, the president of the country.

On the other, his deputy and leader of the RSF, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalobetter known as Hemedti.

The rivalry between General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (pictured) and General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is at the center of the dispute. (GETTY IMAGES).

They disagree on the direction the country is taking and on the proposal for a transition to civilian rule.

One of the most contentious points refers to plans to include the 100,000-strong RSF in the army and who would be in charge of leading the new force.

2 – Why did the hostilities start on Saturday?

The violence broke out after days of tension, after members of the RSF were redeployed throughout the country in a move that the army interpreted as a threat.

It was hoped that the situation could be resolved through dialogue, but this never materialized.

If the fighting continues, this situation could further fragment the country and worsen the political turmoil. (GETTY IMAGES).

It is not clear who fired the first shot on Saturday morning, but there are fears that the hostilities will further worsen an already volatile situation.

Diplomats have urged both sides to ceasefire.

3 – Who are the Rapid Support Forces?

The RSF formed in 2013 and have their origin in the notorious janjaweed militia who brutally fought the rebels in Darfur.

Since then, General Dagalo has built a powerful force that has intervened in conflicts in Yemen and Libya, and controls some of Sudan’s gold mines.

These forces have also been accused of human rights abuses, including the massacre of more than 120 protesters in June 2019.

Such a powerful force outside the army is seen as a source of instability in the country.

4 – Why is the military in charge of the country?

The weekend’s fighting is the latest episode in the tension that followed the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019.

There were large street protests calling for an end to President Omar al-Bashir’s rule of almost three decades. (GETTY IMAGES).

there were great street protests who called for the end of his rule of almost three decades and the army organized a coup to remove him from power.

But civilians continued to demand a role in the plan to move toward democratic rule.

A joint military-civilian government was then established, but it was overthrown by another hit in October 2021.

And since then, the rivalry between General Burhan and General Dagalo has intensified.

A framework agreement was reached in December last year to return power to civilians, but talks to finalize the details have failed.

5 – What can happen now?

If the fighting continues, this situation could further fragment the country and worsen the political turmoil.

Diplomats, who have played a crucial role in trying to urge the return of civilian rule, will be desperate to find a way to get the two generals to establish a dialogue.

Meanwhile, it will be ordinary Sudanese who will have to live through another period of uncertainty.

Source: Elcomercio