Fighting continues in Sudan as latest ceasefire close to expiring
Al JazeeraJun 03, 2023
Heavy Fighting Continues in Khartoum, Setting Fuel Facility Ablaze
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Image copyright: Wikimedia Commons
The Facts
Following the expiration of a US-Saudi brokered ceasefire last week between Sudan's warring sides, fighting has intensified in the capital of Khartoum in the last week, with heavy fighting currently taking place around the strategic Yarmouk military complex in the south of the city.
On Wednesday, fighting at the Yarmouk complex resulted in a massive fire breaking out, as the complex contains large fuel and gas depots. Local activists reported that the depot had been bombed, with nearby houses also being hit by stray bullets and shelling.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Since the eruption of violence in Sudan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has worked hard to stamp out violence, bring about a peaceful solution, and provide safe passage for humanitarian aid. The US is doing its part in enabling diplomatic resolution and committing itself to supporting refugees until a ceasefire or permanent agreement is reached.
Establishment-critical narrative
Though the US and Saudi Arabia brokered a ceasefire, it's undeniable that Washington has significant responsibility for the fighting in Sudan. The US failed to rein in the country's top generals when mounting tensions between forces led by Burhan and Dagalo indicated that a prolonged conflict was likely to erupt. Facilitating a truce is the least US leaders can do for the region, given this negligence.
Cynical narrative
Each warring side in Sudan is still battling for supremacy over the country, which indicates they're in no way serious about these ceasefires or peace talks. If the two continue to see each other as an existential threat, it will be impossible to find the middle ground necessary to stop the fighting and prevent the nation from being destroyed.
