The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) will send the presidents of Kenya, South Sudan and Djibouti to Sudan to mediate the conflict and attempt to restore stability.
Libyan militia (under control of Khalifa Haftar) have provided military support to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Meanwhile, Egypt has sent planes and pilots to support the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
Sources state Eritrea is providing logistical support to RSF in Kassala to take control of the airport. They are also coordinating with Haftar (Libya) who sent a planeload of supplies.
Bombardments in the centre of Khartoum are reported on Thursday, including on the airport of Khartoum. The short ceasefire of Wednesday evening did not hold.
Senior military hostages as well as their families (including children) are being held hostage by the RSF.
About 40 Khartoum hospitals out of 59 are not functioning due to ongoing fighting. The remaining functioning hospitals are overwhelmed by rising numbers of patients, lacking staff and supplies.
Hospitals and facilities have been looted by the RSF. Sources report that stores and markets are closed.
The WHO called on both sides to create a humanitarian corridor for medics to reach people in need.
350 people are reported to be dead and about 3200 injured as a result of fighting, said Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, in a press briefing.
Thousands of people are fleeing Khartoum, trying to escape to neighbouring regions, mainly Gezira and River Nile, which report a calmer situation.
Sudanese news reported that Ethiopian Special forces from Amhara attacked the Al Fashaga region of Sudan. The Sudanese army was able to repel this attack.
Direct attacks and looting on international personnel and UN/INGOs offices are still ongoing.
Airports are still closed and the shortage of supplies as well as power outages are worsening.
The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) has approved the evacuation of all international dependents and international personnel performing non-programme activities in Khartoum and Darfur. UNDSS has also approved the relocation of national personnel from Darfur.
An extraction team of a diplomatic mission was attacked. There are reports of diplomatic police and security guards abandoning UN offices and residences.
Reports show aerial bombings in Omdurman. Shooting in North Darfur has continued. Kutum is reported to be calm, under control of SAF. In Kabkaiya there is a lot of tension but no shooting.
In Nyala both RSF and SAF are heavily present, with RSF in control of the airport.
Zalingei town reported heavy shooting, as SAF was shelling the RSF compound near police HQ.
Clashes have been ongoing in El Obeid, North Kordofan, with aerial strikes by SAF on RSF positions.
There were shootings at Marawi airport, with the RSF allegedly deploying more troops to secure the landing of a plane coming with aid from other countries.
Hemedti and Al-Burhan accuse each other of being responsible for starting the fight and refuse to negotiate with each other, said Al Jazeera.
Situation in Ethiopia (per 20 April)
Situation in Tigray (per 20 April)
Situation in Eritrea (per 20 April)
Regional Situation (per 20 April)
International Situation (per 20 April)
The EU released a statement condemning the fighting in Sudan and calling on actors to facilitate humanitarian access, and protect civilians and humanitarian personnel.
The US is preparing to implement new sanctions against the RSF and SAF in Sudan.
Japan will send its Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to Sudan to rescue Japanese nationals living in Sudan.
Eritreans in the Netherlands have sent a letter of concern to the public prosecutor who is leading the prosecution against the accused Eritrean human trafficker Tewelde Goitom (Walid).
The Eritreans were alarmed over the revelations in the court hearing on 6 April that Walid had attempted to influence witnesses from prison. They are concerned that this may lead to witnesses of severe violations fearing to come forward in the case.
The public prosecutor responded that they share the concern and indicate that witnesses should be able to speak without fearing retaliation.
The G7 urged Ethiopia and Tigray to address the process of transitional justice and accountability.
Links of interest
IGAD to Send Three Presidents to Mediate Crisis in Sudan Libyan Militia and Egypt’s Military Back Opposite Sides in Sudan Conflict Sudan: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the latest developments Twitter: Rami Tahir Japan to send SDF to rescue nationals in Sudan: gov’t Sudan: Why has a ceasefire not been reached? WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office Thousands flee Sudan’s capital Khartoum as fighting continues Sudan live news: Army, RSF rule out ceasefire negotiations Twitter: Amnesty Eastern Africa ‘They just left the corpses lying there’: survivors speak about the horrors of a massacre in northern Tigray U.S. Readies New Sanctions on Warring Sudanese Forces Brief aan OM: Eritreeërs bang om te getuigen over smokkelnetwerken G7 Japan 2023 Foreign Ministers’ Communiqué
Disclaimer: All information in this Situation Report is presented as a fluid update report, as to the best knowledge and understanding of the authors at the moment of publication. EEPA does not claim that the information is correct but verifies to the best of ability within the circumstances. Publication is weighed on the basis of interest to understand potential impacts of events (or perceptions of these) on the situation. Check all information against updates and other media. EEPA does not take responsibility for the use of the information or impact thereof. All information reported originates from third parties and the content of all reported and linked information remains the sole responsibility of these third parties. Report to info@eepa.be any additional information and corrections.
