Sudan Conflict Intensifies with Heavy Fighting and Death Toll Rising

 The conflict in Sudan has intensified with heavy fighting and the death toll rising in the capital city of Khartoum and the western region of Darfur. Witnesses reported a fighter jet being shot down and artillery and machine gun fire rocking several neighbourhoods.

The Rapid Support Forces reported to have shot down the Sudanese Armed Forces jet and stated that they "arrested the pilot after he landed with a parachute", as well as accusing the SAF of "heinous massacres". Heavy clashes were seen using various types of weapons in Omdurman, and air strikes in the area of the state television building. Rockets and heavy artillery were also launched by the Army on RSF bases in both central and northern Khartoum, with houses damaged and civilians rushed to the few hospitals still functioning.

The war between the armed forces led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the RSF led by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo has been raging since April 15, and has so far killed nearly 3,000 people and displaced millions. The medics and health facilities have been unable to keep up with the casualties, with many unable to reach medical help. About 2.2 million Sudanese have been displaced within the country and 6,45,000 have fled across borders, according to the International Organization for Migration.

The civilians have been forced to ration water, food, electricity and medicine for close to three months, with only brief moments of respite. The international community has called for a ceasefire in Sudan, and for the country's ruling military council to hand power to a civilian government. A political solution to the conflict is yet to be reached, and it is civilians who are bearing the brunt of this war. The death toll is expected to rise further, and the international community needs to take immediate action to end this crisis.