President William Ruto has weighed in on the escalating violence in Sudan that has left more than 56 people dead in just two days after chaos erupted, with Khartoum being at the epicentre of it all.
In a disturbing turn of events, Sudan has been plunged into chaos as a power struggle ensued between the country’s army and a notorious paramilitary force.
The unrest has been ongoing for several days, with reports of widespread violence and bloodshed across the country, despite being in the most important time of the holy month of Ramadhan in a Muslim-populated nation.
“Kenya is greatly concerned about the developing crisis situation in Sudan. I implore all parties to address any differences through peaceful means for the sake of the security of the people of Sudan and stability in the country and the region, especially during the holy month of Ramadhan. The outbreak of violence will only reverse the important gains Sudan has made, to the determination of its lasting peace and prosperity.” an official statement from Kenya’s head of state read.
Ruto has also assured that Kenya and fellow East Africa’s Intergovernmental Authority on Development states are already actively seeking ways to mitigate the conflict and resolve it to restore stability in the region.
“Kenya and the IGAD states are available and ready to contribute to the resolution of the unfortunate situation. I am actively consulting with the regional leadership and other relevant international partners to seek ways to support dialogue and mediation in Sudan.” Ruto said.
There were conflicting claims of control over crucial locations such as the airport and the presidential palace in Khartoum as the army and its adversaries, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), engaged in ongoing fighting throughout the night.
Witnesses have reported hearing explosions and gunfire in the empty streets of Khartoum, as the paramilitary force, the Rapid Support Force (RSF), declared their control over key facilities in the area.
According to a Sudanese doctors’ committee, panicked residents of Khartoum reported gunfire in their neighbourhoods, with one person stating that bullets were fired at a neighbouring house.
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The committee also reported that at least 56 civilians and dozens of military personnel were killed across the country, with over 595 people injured.
In a tragic development, three employees of the World Food Programme (WFP), a UN agency responsible for providing food assistance to vulnerable populations, lost their lives during an exchange of fire between the RSF and armed forces at a military base in Kabkabiya, located in western Sudan.
According to the Sudanese military, the Rapid Support Forces managed to penetrate Khartoum airport and set fire to civilian planes.
“To our honourable people, the rebellious forces are continuing with their cycles of traitorous plotting and attacks against our country and its national sovereignty. Since this morning, your Armed Forces sons have been fighting with their lives for our nation’s rights and dignity,” the Official Spokesman of the Armed Forces said in a statement.
The situation in Sudan remains extremely volatile, with both the army and the RSF refusing to back down.
International leaders and human rights groups have called for an end to the violence and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, the situation on the ground remains tense, and it is unclear how this will be resolved.
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The conflict between the army and the RSF is just the latest chapter in Sudan’s troubled history, which has been marked by decades of civil war, political instability, and economic hardship.
As the country struggles to find a way forward, many fear that the violence and bloodshed will only continue, further destabilizing an already fragile region.
