Voice of America
26 May 2023, 15:35 GMT+10
KHARTOUM, Sudan - Fighting between forces loyal to Sudan's rival generals on Friday rocked the western region of Darfur, witnesses said, on the fourth day of a fragile U.S.-and Saudi-brokered cease-fire.
The one-week truce, the latest in a series of agreements that have all been systematically violated, was breached only minutes after it took effect on Monday night.
There have since been further violations of the cease-fire - which is meant to allow much-needed humanitarian aid to reach war-ravaged parts of the country - with the warring sides blaming each other.
In El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, residents reported 'battles with all types of weapons,' six weeks into a war between the regular army, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Millions face famine
Since it erupted on April 15, the fighting has killed more than 1,800 people, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project.
The United Nations says more than 1 million Sudanese have been displaced, in addition to 300,000 who have fled to neighboring countries.
Even before the conflict began, one-third of Sudan's 45 million people faced famine; about 25 million people are now in need of humanitarian aid, the U.N. said.
While the current cease-fire agreement has allowed for a lull in fighting, no humanitarian corridors have been opened to allow civilians to leave or aid to reach the affected areas.
Fighting in Khartoum, Darfur
The U.S. said on Thursday observers had detected the use of artillery, drones and military aircraft as well as fighting in Khartoum and in Darfur.
'We retain our sanctions authority and if appropriate we will not hesitate to use that authority,' said U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
In Sudan's Capital, Residents Risk Death in Search of Water
Conditions have been particularly alarming in Darfur, already ravaged by a conflict that erupted in 2003 and saw then-President Omar al-Bashir unleash the feared Janjaweed militia to crush a rebellion among ethnic minority groups.
The RSF, which is led by Burhan's former deputy Mohammed Hamdan Daglo, traces its origins to the Janjaweed.
Burhan and Daglo had in 2021 staged a coup that unseated a civilian transitional government but later fell out in a bitter power struggle.
Get a daily dose of Zimbabwe Star news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Zimbabwe Star.
More InformationBRUSSELS, Belgium: Meta is holding firm on its controversial pay-or-consent model, a move that could lead to fresh antitrust charges...
LONDON, U.K.: American consumers and businesses could soon face the highest overall tariff burden in more than a century, according...
The family of Sayfollah Saif Musallet, a 20-year-old American citizen who was beaten to death by Israeli settlers in the occupied West...
CONCORD, New Hampshire: A federal judge in New Hampshire issued a crucial ruling on July 10 against President Donald Trump's executive...
DUBAI, U.A.E.: A cargo ship flagged under Liberia, known as the Eternity C, sank in the Red Sea following an attack executed by Yemen's...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Trump administration has started sending some weapons to Ukraine again, just a week after the Pentagon told officials...
Dubai [UAE], July 14 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav attended the 'Madhya Pradesh Business Investment Forum Program'...
Harare [Zimbabwe], July 14 (ANI): Zimbabwe left-arm seamer Richard Ngarava became the top wicket taker for his national team in the...
Dubai [UAE], July 14 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav held wideranging interactions with industry experts for bringing...
Harare [Zimbabwe], July 14 (ANI): Known for his pace and crafty bowling, South Africa's Lungi Ngidi levelled legendary tearaway Dale...
Harare [Zimbabwe], July 14 (ANI): A fantastic three-wicket spell by all-rounder George Linde and a fiery knock from Dewald Brevis helped...
New Delhi [India], July 14 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condoled the demise of former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu...