Saturday, April 15, 2023. At least three civilians have reportedly been killed in clashes between Sudan’s army and paramilitary forces in the capital Khartoum.
The country’s doctors trade union said the deaths came during sustained fighting on Saturday, with UK and US embassies in the city both warning their citizens to stay indoors.
Clashes between Sudan’s army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are ongoing around the presidential palace and Khartoum International Airport as both sides fight for control of symbolic sites.
The two parties forged a partnership following the ousting of former leader Omar al Bashir in 2019, but army boss General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has been the country’s de facto president since a military coup in October 2021.
A new deal signed late last year was supposed to pave the way to democratic elections, but Saturday’s violence erupted following weeks of escalating tensions.
RSF chief Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti, has labelled General Al-Burhan a “criminal” and accused his troops of carrying out a coup.
Fighter jets have been seen over the city and two major airlines, the state-owned Saudi carrier Saudia and Egypt’s Egyptair, have suspended flights in and out until further notice. Additional reporting by Sky News.