In the ongoing seven-month war in Sudan, the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are entangled in a blame game following a strike that inflicted damage on a vital bridge over the Jebel Aulia dam, located south of Khartoum. The bridge’s deterioration is the latest blow to essential infrastructure amid intense conflict between the two factions.
Recent clashes in the area resulted in a visible aftermath, with bodies strewn on the streets, including civilians. Over 1,000 people were displaced from Jebel Aulia and surrounding villages following the attack on the dam and the subsequent bridge seizure.
A human rights lawyer in Wad Madani, Gezira state, disclosed the distressing aftermath, documenting at least ten cases of rape linked to the Jebel Aulia incident. Victims, predominantly young women under 25 years old, recounted instances of assault by RSF forces after gaining control of the area.
Last Saturday, accusations flew between the conflicting sides regarding damage to the Shambat Bridge, a critical link between Omdurman and Bahri in Khartoum North. The RSF, previously in control of the bridge, now has only the Al Mansheiya Bridge on the Blue Nile River under its authority, dividing the remaining bridges between the warring factions.
Control of Khartoum state, encompassing three cities, predominantly lies with the RSF. In Darfur, the paramilitary has asserted control over four out of five states, setting the stage for potential conflict in North Darfur, the last army-controlled region in the area.
Escalations on the ground coincided with the signing of a humanitarian access agreement in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 7, between the two warring factions. The Khartoum refinery witnessed a massive fire on the same day, prompting accusations from both sides despite ongoing talks towards a ceasefire agreement.
Supporters of former president Omar al-Bashir, aligning with the army in the conflict, have expressed opposition to negotiations with the paramilitary. Pressure from within the army has reportedly influenced a halt in these talks.
The war’s toll has surpassed 10,000 lives lost, and over 6 million individuals displaced. Disturbing reports of abuses against remaining civilians in the capital, accompanied by widespread looting of civilian properties in Khartoum state, underscore the humanitarian crisis unfolding.
