The United Nations warned on Monday (01 May) that Sudan’s turmoil could drive 800,000 people to abandon the nation, as clashes between opposing military factions raged in the capital despite an ostensible ceasefire.
Hundreds of people have been murdered and dozens have been injured in 16 days of fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted on April 15.
The crisis has triggered a humanitarian disaster, destroyed large areas of Khartoum, raised the prospect of regional powers intervening, and revived fighting in the Darfur region.
Many people are afraid for their lives as a result of the power struggle between the army chief and the head of the RSF, who shared control of the government after a coup in 2021 but disagreed on a planned transition to civilian authority.
On Sunday (30 April), all sides agreed to prolong a much-violated truce by 72 hours, and the United Nations announced the competing forces may hold cease-fire talks in Saudi Arabia.
On Monday (01 May), however, air strikes and artillery were heard as smoke hovered over Khartoum and neighboring cities.
