The ongoing conflict between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is causing untold death, destruction, and displacement as it spreads to previously peaceful areas of the Northeast African nation.

By Linda Bordoni

For the third consecutive day, the sound of explosions reverberates through Port Sudan, the country’s main maritime port, where hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals have sought shelter during the two-year war.

Drone attacks carried out by the RSF on Tuesday targeted various locations, including a fuel depot. The attacks also struck a hotel and the main power substation in Sudan, leading to a city-wide blackout.

Civilians are being evacuated from the airport and the hotel, with reports indicating panic as they scramble to find safety in other parts of the city that have become havens for those displaced by the conflict.

Escalating Crisis

The conflict between Sudan’s army and the RSF has resulted in the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis, a situation likely exacerbated by the recent attacks on Port Sudan. The city is home to various United Nations agencies, aid organizations, and government ministries aligned with the army.

The recent attacks on the Red Sea coastal city mark a significant escalation in violence, as Port Sudan had previously been spared from ground or air assaults.

The conflict between the army and RSF erupted in April 2023 following a dispute over the transition to civilian rule, sparking a power struggle between the two factions.

The ongoing conflict has forced more than 12 million individuals in Sudan to flee their homes and has plunged half of the population into severe hunger.

(Source: Reuters and other news agencies)