KHARTOUM: United Nations warned that conflict in Sudan could force 800,000 people to flee country as battles between rival military factions persisted in capital despite supposed ceasefire. Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands wounded over 16 days of battles since disputes between Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted into conflict on April 15.

Crisis has unleashed humanitarian disaster, damaged swathes of Khartoum, risked drawing in regional powers and reignited conflict in Darfur region. Many fear for their lives in power struggle between Army Chief and RSF head, who shared control of government after 2021 coup but fell out over planned transition to civilian rule.

Both sides agreed on Sunday to extend much-violated truce by 72 hours and UN told Reuters rival forces may hold ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia. But air strikes and artillery rang out on Monday as smoke hung over Khartoum and neighbouring cities. UN official Raouf Mazou said body’s refugee agency was planning for an exodus of 815,000 people including 580,000 Sudanese as well as foreign refugees now living in country. Country’s population numbers 46 million. Some 73,000 have already left Sudan, he said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 03 2023

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