What's happened
The UN warns of increased hostilities in Sudan despite paramilitary forces endorsing a ceasefire. Recent drone attacks targeted Atbara and Omdurman, while fighting continues in Darfur. The UN plans an emergency session as humanitarian needs rise, with over 81,000 displaced and children suffering from malnutrition.
What's behind the headline?
The recent escalation in Sudan underscores the fragility of any ceasefire agreements and highlights the complex power dynamics between the military and RSF. Despite the paramilitary group's endorsement of a truce, actual hostilities, including drone strikes and territorial seizures, continue to threaten civilian safety and hinder humanitarian aid. The UN's emergency session signals international concern, but the conflict's deep-rooted political and military issues suggest that a sustainable peace will require more than temporary ceasefires. The situation in Darfur remains particularly dire, with displaced populations and limited aid access, indicating that the conflict's resolution remains distant. The international community's focus on diplomatic pressure and humanitarian aid will be crucial in preventing further deterioration.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that despite the RSF's announcement of a ceasefire, drone attacks targeted Atbara and Omdurman, with ongoing violence in Darfur. The UN warns of 'intensified hostilities' and plans an emergency session on Nov 14, amid rising displacement and malnutrition among children. AP News details the military's cautious stance, demanding RSF withdrawal before fully accepting peace proposals. Both sources highlight the ongoing conflict's severity and the fragile nature of recent ceasefire efforts, emphasizing the need for sustained international engagement.
How we got here
Since 2023, Sudan's military and RSF paramilitary forces have been engaged in a conflict that erupted from tensions between former allies overseeing a democratic transition after the 2019 uprising. The fighting has resulted in thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and severe humanitarian crises, especially in Darfur. Recent efforts for a ceasefire, including a US-led plan, have seen limited success amid ongoing violence and territorial seizures.
Go deeper
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The Rapid Support Forces are Sudanese paramilitary forces operated by the Sudanese Government. The RSF grew out of, and is primarily composed of, the Janjaweed militias which fought on behalf of the Sudanese government during the War in Darfur, killing an
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The Sudanese Armed Forces are the military forces of the Republic of the Sudan. During the 39-month transition to democracy that started in September 2019, the August 2019 Draft Constitutional Declaration defines the Supreme Commander of the Sudanese Arme
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.