Sudan: 'Dire Situations' Reported on Third Day of Fighting in Khartoum
The Facts
According to a doctors' union, almost 100 civilians have been left dead, as fighting between the army and paramilitary forces entered its third day in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum on Monday. Local hospital workers have spoken of "dire situations" amid shelling of electricity and water supplies, while regional African leaders have sought to guide the nation back towards a peaceful transition to civilian government .
Rival forces have clashed over key sites in the capital Khartoum and elsewhere in the country, such as the presidential palace and the city's airport as well as military bases, prompting Chad to close borders with Sudan and airlines to suspend flights.
The Spin
Narrative A
The RSF have wreaked havoc in Sudan because its forces were unjustifiably deployed to Khartoum and other parts of the country, which has been going through a decisive moment to establish a civilian-led transitional government. While it is true that the paramilitary group has become a state within a state, this crisis has ultimately been fueled by elements of the former al-Bashir regime that are willing to drag Sudan into civil war in the hope of returning to power.
Narrative B
Saturday's fighting broke out after the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) attacked off guard RSF troops stationed in Khartoum who were respecting the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. This unacceptable sweeping attack with heavy and light weapons must be condemned, particularly as the country is going through a critical moment in its history and governance. The SAF should take responsibility for their role in this conflict.