By Ebi Kesiena
On Sunday, the 100th day of conflict in Sudan, clashes continued as regional and international mediation efforts failed to resolve the escalating war. The conflict began on April 15 between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), displacing over 3 million people, including more than 700,000 who have fled to neighboring countries.
The Sudanese health ministry reports 1,136 deaths, though the true toll is likely higher. Neither the army nor the RSF has gained a decisive advantage, with the RSF dominating the ground in Khartoum against the army’s superior air and artillery capabilities.
The conflict has devastated infrastructure and governance in the capital, spreading to the west, particularly Darfur, and southward where the rebel SPLM-N group seeks to gain territory. Over the weekend, RSF forces moved into villages in Gezira State south of Khartoum, prompting army airstrikes. In Nyala, South Darfur’s capital, residential clashes have killed at least 20 people and displaced 5,000 families. Key facilities have been looted, with residents reporting intense fear and lack of protection.
“Bullets are flying into homes. We are terrified and no one is protecting us,” said Salah Abdallah, a resident of Nyala. Ethnically targeted attacks by Arab militias and the RSF in West Darfur have forced hundreds of thousands to flee to Chad.
Accusations of RSF looting and occupying large parts of Khartoum have emerged, with the RSF pledging to investigate. Mediation efforts, including those in Jeddah, have failed to establish a lasting ceasefire. Despite sending delegations for talks, indirect negotiations have not progressed seriously, according to Sudan’s foreign minister.
The conflict’s roots trace back to a power struggle between the army and RSF leaders following the 2019 ouster of Omar al-Bashir. Civilian political groups and the RSF have accused the army of ignoring appearances by wanted Bashir loyalists.
Meanwhile, the main civilian coalition, Forces of Freedom and Change said on Sunday that it is meeting in Egypt as it has offered to mediate the conflict.
