Saudi Arabia, US say factions in Sudan are escalating

Clashes were reported on Sunday night in the capital Khartoum, while human rights monitors reported deadly fighting in El Fashir, one of the main cities in the Darfur region.

The conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that broke out on April 15 has plunged the Sudanese capital into fierce fighting, lawlessness and a collapse of services, forcing nearly 1.4 million people to flee their homes and threatening to destabilize the region.

A week-long ceasefire brokered in Saudi Arabia and US-led talks in Jeddah are set to run until Monday evening.

Sudanese refugees near the border between Sudan and Chad. Photo: Reuters

“Both sides have committed violations that have significantly impeded the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the restoration of essential services,” Saudi Arabia and the United States said in a joint statement.

The statement cited ceasefire violations, including airstrikes and military requisitions of medical supplies, as well as the occupation of civilian buildings and looting by the RSF.

RSF said it was ready to discuss a possible extension and would continue to monitor the ceasefire “to check the seriousness and commitment of the other side to continue to extend the agreement”. The Sudanese army said it was discussing a possible extension.

Nearly 350,000 people have crossed Sudan's border since fighting began, with the largest numbers heading north to Egypt from Khartoum or to Chad from Darfur.

In Khartoum, factories, offices, homes and banks have been looted or destroyed. Electricity, water and telecommunications are frequently cut off, medicines and medical equipment are in severe shortage, and food supplies are running low.

Mai Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/a-rap-xe-ut-va-my-lo-so-chien-su-sudan-leo-thang-post249522.html