After a U.S. diplomatic convoy was attacked, the U.S. told competing Sudanese commanders to stop fighting and protect civilians.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke separately with the army chief and head of the paramilitary Rapid Response Forces (RSF), whose power struggle has killed at least 185 people and derailed an internationally-backed deal for a civilian government after decades of autocracy and military rule.
Reuters reported gunfire, warplanes, and explosions in Sudan’s capital for a fourth day on Tuesday. Omdurman, Khartoum’s twin city across the Nile, reported air attacks that shook buildings and anti-aircraft fire.
Blinken claimed a U.S. diplomatic convoy was attacked Monday by RSF fighters, but everyone was safe. However, he termed the event “reckless” and condemned attacks on U.S. diplomats.
In Japan, Blinken called RSF head General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, Hemedti, and Sudan’s army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to request a 24-hour ceasefire “to allow the Sudanese to be safely reunited with families” and provide assistance.
On Monday, U.N. envoy Volker Perthes reported that Saturday’s fighting between Sudan’s army and the RSF killed 185 and injured over 1,800.
The RSF’s Hemedti, whose whereabouts have not been public since fighting began, said he had “discussed pressing issues” with Blinken during their call and planned future talks.
He tweeted the RSF endorsed a 24-hour truce. However, the RSF also said it was fighting for “the rights of our people.”
Despite truces, fighting continues.
The deadliest confrontations in decades in Khartoum and its sister cities of Omdurman and Bahri risk dividing Sudan between two military factions that shared power during a bumpy democratic transition.
Since Bashir’s removal, army chief Burhan led Sudan’s executive council and divided power among civilians before a 2021 coup. Hemedti is RSF’s deputy.
Airstrikes and fighting in Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri claim victories for both sides.
In the closing days of Ramadan, when Muslims fast during the day, the violence has disrupted power and water in some regions, stranding residents.
A doctors’ group monitoring the crisis reported that most major hospitals were closed.
“Our nerves are frayed,” remarked an Omdurman woman near a state broadcasting building. “This is the hardest thing a person can go through.”
Many U.N. relief programs have been discontinued as Sudan’s humanitarian crisis worsens.
Fighting in Darfur has increased the prospect of further strife in an area ravaged by war since 2003.
On Monday, U.N. ambassador to Sudan Perthes claimed the two parties were unwilling to negotiate.
“The two sides who are fighting are not giving the impression that they want mediation for a peace between them right away,” Perthes told reporters by video link from Khartoum.
The violence could destabilize a volatile region and fuel the struggle for influence between Russia, the U.S., and regional nations that have courted Sudanese actors.
Sudan’s military relies on Egypt, but Hemedti has built relationships with Russia and the UAE.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stated late Monday that he was in regular touch with the army and RSF to “encourage them to accept a ceasefire and spare the blood of the Sudanese people.” He stated RSF-held Egyptian troops in Sudan were exercising.
The army’s propaganda office stated Burhan would pardon RSF officials and soldiers who surrendered and “lay down their arms.” Instead, he suggested the military would absorb them.
Tensions over the RSF’s civilian transition strategy into the military led to fighting.
The army is larger and has air power, but the RSF is widely deployed in Khartoum and other towns, giving neither side the edge for a rapid victory.
The E.U.’s foreign policy leader claimed the E.U.’s envoy to Sudan was beaten in his residence on Monday.
Burhan has called the RSF a rebel group and ordered its dissolution since combat began. Hemedti claims the army leader destroyed his nation.
