In Sudan, the population questions the trigger of the conflict

An avenue in Khartoum deserted as fighting raged on April 18, 2023. AP - Marwan Ali

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2 min

Gunfire and explosions rocked Sudan's capital Khartoum on Tuesday night, despite calls for a truce, on the fourth day of fighting between the army and paramilitaries that left nearly 200 people dead. The population is questioning the reasons that led to this deadly conflict.

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With our special envoy in Khartoum, Eliott Brachet

The conflict between Hemedti and General al-Burhan, which had been simmering for weeks, exploded when they were forced to announce their plan to integrate the RSF into regular troops. Another bone of contention is the presence since the reign of Omar al-Bashir of many Islamist officers in the Sudanese army, which General Hemedti wanted to purge.

► Read also: Sudan, at the origins of the crisis

In the lobby of a hotel in central Khartoum, one of the few places equipped with a generator, men charge their phones, their eyes glued to the television. Images of the devastated city loop on Al-Jazeera. All are in shock and wondering about the spark that ignited this deadly conflict.

«

I think that the Islamist current played a direct role in these events. It is very possible that they were the ones who lit the fuse of discord, because since the fall of al-Bashir, they have proved that they will do everything not to give up power, "analyzes one man.

Significant support within the military

Negotiations were underway before the outbreak of war to try to install a civilian government. Since the October 2021 coup, the Islamist current, which already enjoyed significant support within the army, has been strengthened with the blessing of General al-Burhan. This was one of the main points of tension with General Hemedti.

«

The Islamists had the most to lose from the political negotiations that took place before the war. I also believe that they were the ones who had an interest in provoking this war, because if an agreement had been signed, it would have meant their death warrant and excluded them from the political game," Hashim said.

It is still too early to understand who fired the first shot. But a gear started Saturday morning that nothing seems to be able to stop.

Washington is closely monitoring the situation in Khartoum

With our correspondent in Washington, Guillaume Naudin

«

In my calls with Generals Hemedti and al-Burhan, I made it very clear that the attacks, threats and dangers facing our diplomats were totally unacceptable. ». On the sidelines of a trip for the G7 foreign affairs to Japan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken did not hide his dissatisfaction.

After the fighting had been going on for several days, a diplomatic convoy taking Americans residing in Khartoum to a safer location was targeted. Inside the armoured vehicles, no one was injured. The investigation is still ongoing, but the first indications point to elements related to General Hemedti's rapid support forces.

Like others, including the European Union, the United States is calling for a ceasefire, at least to evacuate the wounded and affected populations. So far in vain. The White House says there are no plans to evacuate the Americans there and that they must make arrangements to ensure they are safe.

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