2 months since clashes between Sudanese military, RSF began

By Omer Erdem

KHARTOUM, Sudan (AA) – Heavy fighting in Sudan between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) reached a two-month grim mark on Thursday, with clashes still ongoing in the capital and surrounding areas.

At least 958 people have been killed and 4,746 others have been injured since April 15, when a conflict broke out in the capital Khartoum and other cities between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF, which the military had declared a rebel group.

The power struggle between army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander General Mohamed Hamdan 'Hemedti' Dagalo has brought the country to the brink of civil war. It comes after the country has grown increasingly unstable politically and economically following military coups in 2019 and 2021, as well as protests in 2018 over soaring living costs.

At least 9 million people require humanitarian aid, and over 2 million people have been displaced, and more than half a million Sudanese have fled to neighboring countries due to the continuous armed clashes despite cease-fire decisions and threats of international sanctions, according to the UN.

Peace negotiations initiated by the US and Saudi Arabia for the Sudan crisis were inconclusive, and the cease-fire decisions were repeatedly overturned.

The following is a timeline of significant events since the beginning of the conflict.

April 13:

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) make the first move, sending a large troop to the Merowe Airport and military base in the north, sparking the clashes.

April 15:

Tensions between the Sudanese army and the RSF escalate into a full-fledged armed conflict.

April 17:

UN announces to cease operations in the country.

April 23:

More than 50 countries begin evacuation process.

April 28:

Army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan declines to meet with RSF commander General Mohamed Hamdan 'Hemedti' Dagalo.

April 29:

Clashes continue despite five cease-fires agreements.

May 3:

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for urgent action to resolve crisis.

May 26:

Sudan's defense minister asks retired soldiers and people who can handle a gun to take up arms.

June 1:

US imposes sanctions and visa restrictions on two sides of armed forces.

June 8:

Government declares UN representative in Sudan “persona non grata.”

Al-Burhan's special representative says they will be pleased with whatever role Türkiye takes on.

June 10:

Al-Burhan says they “are in favor of any solution that ends the conflict.”

June 12:

UN says it will not take the lead in resolving the Sudan crisis.

June 13:

Government official announces that an agreement reached with the mediators regarding meeting between al-Burhan and Dagalo.