Khartoum, Sudan.- (African Boulevard News) – New reports of fighting and looting in Darfur have arisen, with a death toll of at least 11 people in the battles between the Sudanese army and paramilitaries of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher on Wednesday. The North Darfur Radio Dabanga correspondent reported that among the 11 people who were killed was one policeman, while 57 others were injured. The situation in Sudan remains tense as clashes continue, leaving many people feeling vulnerable and frightened.
Civilian Suffering
The battles have brought along many distressing consequences for the civilians. According to the North Darfur Radio Dabanga correspondent, the Southern Hospital is now overcrowded, and many houses have been plundered in the surrounding neighborhoods. Looting has continued, with the Specialized Children’s Hospital and two ambulances being stolen on Wednesday.
Youngsters have been trying to find ways to prevent more plundering from happening by barricading the streets in the neighborhoods. Unfortunately, reports from sources in the area have revealed that this tactic might not be proving effective. armed men riding on motorcycles and in rickshaws continue to loot and rob the community.
State of Emergency in South Darfur
South Darfur has not been spared of the violence either. The capital, Nyala, witnessed a cautious calm on Thursday after clashes earlier in the week that left at least 31 people dead. People ventured out of their homes to buy food and other necessities from the shops. Nevertheless, many markets remained closed.
Concerns have been raised about the intermittent exchanges of heavy weapon fire in the northern part of the city on Thursday. With reports of widespread plundering across various neighborhoods, people have taken to barricading streets to prevent further looting.
Humanitarian Assistance
The situation in Sudan is grave, and the population is in dire need of assistance. The youth have taken the initiative to open five free health centers in the Southern Hospital. However, more aid is necessary to help those affected by the violence.
The African Union and the United Nations have condemned the situation and called upon the Sudanese government to restore order and protect civilians. The UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) has promised to help deliver humanitarian assistance to the affected populations.
Calm in East Darfur
Residents in Ed Daein, the capital of East Darfur, have reported that the ongoing battles have hardly affected them. Emameldin Maw, an activist, has confirmed that although there were a few incidents on the second day of the war, which led to the death of four army soldiers, the situation remains calm.
Maw attributed the calm to the native administration leaders’ ability to control the forces, “by virtue of the social composition of the two parties”. Nevertheless, the situation remains fluid, and any escalation could quickly disrupt the peace in the area.
The Road Ahead
The situation in Sudan remains uncertain, with reports of fighting and looting continuing to emerge. The Sudanese government must take action to restore order and protect its citizens. The African Union and the United Nations have called for more humanitarian assistance to reach those affected by the violence.
The situation in Sudan is a reminder of how quickly violence and conflict can erupt, causing significant loss of life, property, and social dysfunctions. The international community must redouble its efforts to help Sudan bring stability and order while protecting its civilian populations.
