Despite a temporary ceasefire that was implemented to address humanitarian needs, including the evacuation of wounded individuals, fierce fighting has continued unabated in Sudan’s capital, resulting in dozens of casualties over the course of two days.

The situation remains dire, with at least five civilians killed and 78 wounded on Sunday alone, bringing the two-day toll to 61 dead and over 1000 wounded, as reported by the Sudan Doctors’ Syndicate.

Amidst the escalating violence, there are growing concerns about the potential for Sudan to descend into civil war, prompting calls for an immediate ceasefire and a permanent cessation of hostilities. “Peace remains the only feasible choice for the people of Sudan to avoid plunging the country into a civil war. Therefore, I call for an immediate cease-fire and to reach an agreement, which leads to a permanent cessation (of hostilities),” stated a prominent figure.

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The clashes that have erupted in Sudan’s capital are part of a larger power struggle between two influential military generals, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, the commander of the armed forces, and Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as “Hemedti,” who heads the Rapid Support Forces group. These two generals were previously allies who jointly orchestrated a military coup in October 2021, derailing Sudan’s short-lived transition to democracy and plunging the country into a state of uncertainty and unrest.

The international community has been closely monitoring the situation in Sudan, and there has been widespread condemnation of the violence and calls for a resolution to the crisis. However, efforts to convince the generals to sign a plan to end the conflict have thus far been unsuccessful. The Arab League, comprising influential nations such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia, has urgently convened to address the escalating situation in Sudan.

The root cause of the conflict can be traced back to the growing divisions between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who leads the army, and General Mohamed Hamdane Daglo, “Hemedti,” who heads the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group comprised of thousands of ex-militiamen from the Darfur war who have now become official auxiliaries of the regular troops. The tensions between these two factions have now degenerated into violent clashes on the streets of Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan.

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The situation on the ground remains highly volatile, with reports of heavy gun battles between the military and paramilitary forces in various parts of the capital, including the northern suburbs and the southern areas of Khartoum. Witnesses have reported seeing armed individuals in military fatigues patrolling deserted streets, while columns of smoke rise from the city center where key institutions of power are located.

There have also been reports of artillery fire in Kassala, a coastal city in eastern Sudan, further highlighting the widening scope of the conflict beyond the capital. Pro-democracy doctors have reported that over 56 civilians have been killed, with more than half of them in Khartoum and its suburbs.

Dozens of military and paramilitary personnel have also lost their lives, although precise figures are difficult to ascertain. The conflict has already resulted in an estimated 600 casualties, including both civilians and combatants.