Capital city of Sudan, Khartoum.- (African Boulevard News) – Fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been ongoing in central Khartoum and in several neighborhoods in Omdurman, raising concerns of a possible collapse of the health system in the country, according to UN agencies. The deteriorating situation has led Sudanese women in the country and abroad to demand an immediate end to the war.
Continued Fighting Despite Ceasefire
Despite a 72-hour ceasefire unilaterally announced by the RSF on the first day of the Eid El Fitr, reports state that the ceasefire has not been observed, and fighting has continued in areas surrounding the General Command of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), the Republican Palace, and the area south of Khartoum International Airport.
Heavy fighting was also reported in Omdurman, with battles continuing in multiple southwestern parts of the area. Lawyer Salaheldin Hashim reported an increased presence of RSF paramilitaries in the main streets surrounding neighborhoods with a large civilian population. The situation has caused panic among the people, and many have fled to safer areas in Khartoum.
RSF Takes Control of Roads
RSF paramilitaries have taken control of the roads leading to El Gezira in the eastern and western parts of Khartoum. Limited inspections of passengers on the way have been reported by Eastern Sudanese activist Jaafar Khidir. The situation in El Gedaref, where prices of basic commodities have risen significantly, is also concerning.
UN Warns of Collapse of Health System
UN agencies have warned that the ongoing fighting threatens to collapse the entire healthcare system in Sudan. The WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari, expressed his deepest concerns about reports of military strikes against health facilities, hijacking of ambulances while patients and paramedics are on board, looting of health facilities, and military forces occupying health facilities earlier this week.
Amidst the continued fighting and insecurity, 16 hospitals in Khartoum are reportedly non-functional due to attacks. Another 16 hospitals in Khartoum and other states, including Darfur States, are close to being non-functional due to staff fatigue and lack of supplies. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric has warned of the depletion of food, fuel, and other essential supplies in the country, putting millions of lives at risk.
Children and Women Affected
According to the World Health Organisation, the conflict has already killed at least 330 people, including nine children, and injured 3,200 others. UNICEF has reported that the fighting has killed at least nine children and injured 50 others in Khartoum, North Kordofan, and Darfur and Kordofan. A group of Sudanese women around the world has formed “Women Against War,” demand “an immediate end to the war without conditions.”
Call for Ceasefire and Safe Passages
The Women Against War group has called for a ceasefire to enable the opening of safe passages to help stranded people to return homes, transfer the injured to hospitals, and secure the movement of medical personnel. The group also calls for securing teams working to restore water and electricity provision in Khartoum. Ihsan Fagiri, who founded the Sudanese No to Women’s Oppression Initiative in 2009, warned of the health disaster if people in the capital are not allowed to bury their killed relatives and the bodies of soldiers lying on the streets.
The situation in Sudan remains highly volatile, with continued fighting, the collapse of the healthcare system, and a looming humanitarian crisis. The UN and other organizations have called for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire.
