The ongoing conflict in Sudan has taken a new turn as paramilitary forces announced the capture of a key state capital in the southeast. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) declared the liberation of the 17th Infantry Division from Singa, the capital of Sennar state. This development has led to a mass exodus of residents, with thousands fleeing the area in fear.
The situation in Sudan has been dire since April 2023, when clashes broke out between forces loyal to army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and the RSF led by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The conflict has resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of lives, displacement of millions, and has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis in the country with a population of 48 million.
With the recent capture of Singa, the RSF is tightening its grip around Port Sudan on the Red Sea, where the army, government, and UN agencies are currently based. The paramilitary forces already control significant territories, including most of the capital Khartoum, Al-Jazira state, Darfur, and parts of Kordofan. Sennar state, which is now under RSF control, is home to over a million displaced Sudanese and serves as a crucial link between central Sudan and the army-controlled southeast.
Reports from witnesses and social media posts depict scenes of chaos and panic as residents scramble to flee the violence in Singa. Many have sought refuge on the east bank of the Blue Nile river, east of the city. Additionally, RSF forces are besieging El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The United Nations recently highlighted the alarming levels of food insecurity in war-torn Sudan, with nearly 26 million people facing acute shortages of food. The ongoing conflict has disrupted agricultural activities, leading to food shortages and malnutrition among vulnerable populations.
As the situation escalates in Sudan, it is crucial for the international community to step in and provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict. Immediate action is needed to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire and to address the growing humanitarian needs in the region.
The capture of Singa by RSF forces marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The repercussions of this event are likely to further exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in the country. It is imperative for all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilians and work towards a peaceful resolution to end the suffering of the Sudanese people.