Major Updates: Sudan fighting enters sixth day, death toll tops 300
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Alaina
- . April 20, 2023
- . Update: April 21, 2023 1:24 am
Fighting between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues for a sixth day, with the death toll topping 300, according to the World Health Organisation.
While UNICEF says the brutal conflict has had a “devastating” impact on children, the doctors’ union has raised concerns over as many as 70% of hospitals remaining “out of service”.
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Read on for seven major updates concerning the crisis.
- The army has ruled out negotiations with the paramilitary force, adding in a statement that engaging in talks with the RSF would only be possible to discuss its surrender.
- Amnesty International says the crisis is worsening the sufferings of civilians in Darfur, a region that has struggled with 20 years of fighting and massacres.
- Despite innumerable risks, thousands of residents continue to flee Khartoum, the capital, because of a shortage of electricity, drinking water, and medical assistance.
- Al Jazeera quoted RSF leader General Hamdan Dagalo as saying he has “no objection” to a ceasefire over the Eid al-Fitr holiday later this week.
- Several humanitarian organisations have halted their operations in Sudan due to safety concerns, including Islamic Relief.
- Despite wishing to evacuate its international staff out of Sudan, Islamic Relief is unable to do so. The charity’s office in central Darfur encountered serious looting in recent days.
- There is no political solution to the conflict in short term, military analyst Elias Hanna told Al Jazeera, adding the shooting will potentially not stop even with the advent of Eid.
