Unveiling Sudan’s 100 Days of Intense Conflict: A Detailed Account

For the past 100 days, Sudan has been engulfed in a devastating war that has ravaged the capital city of Khartoum, escalated ethnically-driven violence in Darfur, and forcibly displaced over three million people. This article aims to provide a meticulous timeline of the major events that unfolded during this period, shedding light on the intensity and brutality of the conflict.
On April 15, the simmering tensions that had been building up over a plan to transfer power to civilians finally reached a breaking point. Heavy fighting erupted in Khartoum, and clashes were reported in various other cities across the country. In a shocking turn of events, paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) loyal to their notorious leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as “Hemedti,” stormed the residence of army chief General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan. Their objective was to seize strategic sites in the heart of the capital.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) was quick to respond to these alarming developments. On April 16, the WFP announced the temporary suspension of its operations in Sudan, a decision taken after three of its staff members became victims of the early fighting. This suspension had far-reaching consequences, as the WFP’s presence in Sudan was one of its largest programs globally. On May 1, the WFP cautiously resumed work but warned that more than three million additional people could slide into hunger, and farmers may be unable to plant crops due to the ongoing conflict.
As the conflict escalated, the number of residents fleeing Khartoum started to accelerate rapidly. The situation became unbearable as areas across the city came under heavy army air strikes, clashes, and looting carried out by the RSF. In response to these horrifying circumstances, many exhausted and terrified individuals sought refuge outside of Khartoum, while others embarked on a dangerous journey towards Sudan’s borders.
These 100 days of intense conflict have caused untold suffering and destruction in Sudan. The capital city of Khartoum, once a bustling and vibrant metropolis, now bears the scars of war. The violence that erupted has not only torn families apart but has also led to a sharp increase in ethnically-driven violence in the already war-torn region of Darfur. Moreover, the sheer number of displaced individuals, which surpasses the three-million mark, is a testament to the severity of the crisis and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
Embassy Evacuation and Worrying Times in Khartoum
A man walks while smoke rises above buildings after aerial bombardment, during clashes between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum North, Sudan, May 1, 2023. REUTERS/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah
April 22 – The United States Special Operations Forces have taken a decisive step by evacuating all embassy staff from Khartoum. Following suit, France, Britain, and other nations have also made the difficult decision to withdraw their personnel, leaving the Sudanese population concerned about their own safety and security.
Amidst the political turmoil that has plagued the country, the evacuation of embassy staff signifies a significant shift in the diplomatic landscape. The departure of these foreign diplomats serves as a stark reminder of the deteriorating situation in Khartoum and the increasing vulnerability felt by the international community.
However, the withdrawal of embassy personnel has not been the only cause for concern. On April 25, Ahmed Haroun, a former minister wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes committed in Darfur, announced that he and other ex-officials from the ousted leader Omar al-Bashir’s administration had been released from prison. This development raised questions about the state’s ability to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability for those accused of crimes.
The situation took a further turn for the worse on May 5 when it was reported that more than 1 million polio vaccines intended for children had been destroyed as a result of rampant looting. UNICEF sounded the alarm, warning of collapsing medical care and hospital capacity due to the ongoing fighting. The World Food Programme (WFP) also reported extensive looting of its supplies, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
In an attempt to alleviate the suffering and restore some semblance of normalcy, talks were convened by Saudi Arabia and the United States in Jeddah on May 20. The aim was to secure a seven-day ceasefire that would facilitate the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid. However, violations of the ceasefire by both sides quickly became apparent, rendering the efforts to deliver relief ineffective. The talks themselves were subsequently adjourned in June, further frustrating the hopes for a peaceful resolution.
Adding to the mounting concerns, on May 29, the head of the United Nations refugee agency painted a grave picture of the situation. The estimated figure of one million people potentially fleeing Sudan by October was deemed conservative, with fears of arms and people trafficking proliferating throughout the already fragile region. The ramifications of such an exodus would extend beyond Sudan’s borders, potentially destabilizing neighboring countries and straining already limited resources.
As the international community struggles to respond to the deteriorating situation in Khartoum, there is a pressing need for immediate and sustained action. The evacuation of embassies, the release of wanted individuals, the destruction of vital supplies, and the ongoing violations of ceasefires all point to a country on the brink of collapse. The world cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Sudanese people, nor can it ignore the potential regional repercussions.
June 8 – The mobilization of the powerful SPLM-N rebel force in South Kordofan has raised serious concerns about the conflict in Sudan extending to the southern regions of the country. As clashes continue to escalate in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, the local residents are increasingly being forced to flee their homes in search of safety.
On June 14, the West Darfur Governor, Khamis Abbakar, was tragically killed just hours after giving a television interview in which he accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias of conducting genocide against non-Arab groups. This shocking incident has further intensified the fear among the population, prompting thousands of civilians to attempt to flee to nearby Chad.
However, their escape has not been without danger. As they desperately try to seek refuge, these fleeing civilians have become targets of violence, adding to the already dire humanitarian situation.
Recognizing the urgent need for assistance, international donors gathered at a fundraising conference in Geneva on June 19 pledged a total of $1.5 billion in aid for Sudan and the surrounding region. While this contribution goes a long way in addressing the deepening humanitarian crisis, it is still only about half of what is estimated to be needed.
In an attempt to mediate the ongoing conflict, Egypt launched a new initiative on July 13 by bringing Sudan’s rival factions together at a summit in Cairo. However, Ethiopia’s leader has emphasized the importance of coordinating these efforts with the existing initiative led by the East African regional bloc, IGAD. Concerns have been raised about potentially competing and ineffective diplomatic endeavors, and thus, coordination is crucial to achieving lasting peace.
Meanwhile, on July 14, the U.S.-based Sudan Conflict Observatory issued a report highlighting that the RSF and aligned forces were suspected of deliberately destroying at least 26 communities in Darfur. This alarming revelation coincided with an announcement from the International Criminal Court that it would be launching an investigation into the violence in Darfur. The RSF vehemently denies any wrongdoing, claiming that the hostilities in the region are tribal in nature.
As the conflict rages on and the situation continues to deteriorate, prompt and coordinated action is imperative to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people. The mobilization of the SPLM-N rebel force and the subsequent displacement of civilians highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the crisis. The international community’s pledge of $1.5 billion in aid is a significant step forward, but much more support will be required in order to fully address the humanitarian needs. Additionally, coordination between different mediation efforts is crucial to presenting a unified front and maximizing the chances of a successful resolution.