The Sudanese capital, Khartoum, has witnessed gunfire and explosions following days of tension between a notorious paramilitary force and the country’s army.
The dispute centers on a proposed transition from military to civilian rule.
According to Reuters, gunfire has been heard near the army’s headquarters in the city center.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have reportedly seized control of the airport and the presidential palace.
These assertions have not been verified.
Earlier, the RSF had reported an attack on one of its sites south of Khartoum.
According to the army, RSF militants were attempting to seize the military headquarters.
“Fighters from the Rapid Support Forces attacked several army camps in Khartoum and elsewhere in Sudan,” army spokesman Brig. Gen. Nabil Abdallah is quoted as saying by the AFP news agency.
“Clashes are ongoing, and the military is carrying out its responsibility to protect the nation.”
In the northern city of Merowe, witnesses have reportedly reported hearing gunfire, according to Reuters.
Reuters reports that Alarabyia TV is broadcasting images of smoke billowing from a military camp.
Since the October 2021 revolution, the country has been governed by the Sovereign Council, which consists of generals.
The RSF is under the command of the vice president of the council, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who is the chairman of the Sovereign Council, commands the army.
The timeline for integrating the RSF into the national army has impeded the implementation of a civilian-led government.
The RSF desired a 10-year postponement, whereas the army recommended a timeline of two years.
As tensions increased this week, the RSF deployed forces near the military base in Merowe on Thursday.
Gen Burhan indicated that he was willing to speak with his second-in-command to resolve the dispute over who would lead a unified army under a proposed civilian government.
Western powers and regional leaders had urged both parties to de-escalate tensions and resume negotiations aimed at restoring civilian rule.
On Friday, there were indications that the situation would be resolved.
Also in a tweet, US Ambassador John Godfrey stated, “I urgently call on senior military leaders to stop the fighting.”
Voici how described the situation in the city: “I awoke to the profoundly disturbing sounds of gunfire and fighting. I am currently sheltering in place with the Embassy personnel, as are many Sudanese in Khartoum and elsewhere.”
According to Reuters, the Russian embassy is also concerned about the “escalation of violence” and has called for a ceasefire.
The coup in 2021 ended a period of more than two years in which civilian and military leaders shared authority. This agreement was reached after longtime authoritarian Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir was deposed.
Since the rebellion, there have been regular pro-democracy demonstrations in Khartoum.
