Sudan death toll rises as competing factions clash ahead of election

By: Tchiyiwe Chihana

Tensions have been mounting in Sudan as the country gears up for its next election. Various groups are vying for power, with protests and violence becoming increasingly common.

On 15th April, Sudan’s army and The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group that emerged from the Janjaweed militias, engaged in fights which were marked across different cities, including the capital Khartoum.  Since then, RSF has claimed to have taken hold of key institutional structures including the presidential palace, army chief’s residence, state television station and airports in Khartoum, the northern city of Merowe, El Fasher and West Darfur state, Al Jazeera reports, claims that have been rejected by the army.  RSF has been accused of committing human rights abuses and is seen by many as a threat to democracy.

Photo credit: Sudan Tribune

One other group that has emerged as a key contender is the Sudanese Professionals Association which was instrumental in the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and has been pushing for democratic reforms ever since.  General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan who presides over the country’s military government is at war with Lt General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo the vice-president and head of the Rapid Support Forces. The Financial Times reports of concerns that the rivalry and violence could descend into full-scale civil war after tensions escalated to alarming levels, with the death toll rising from the violent clashes between protesters and security forces.  At the time of reporting, human rights groups suggest that over 200 people have lost their lives since the beginning of the year. The government has been accused of using excessive force against protesters and causing death and injuries. 

Photo credit: Twitter/Robert Carter

The African Union (AU) has expressed deep concern over the situation, calling on all parties to engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve the crisis. The AU has also condemned the use of violence against peaceful protesters and urged the government to exercise restraint. The next election is scheduled for 2024, but many are calling for it to be held sooner. The Sudanese Professionals Association has been pushing for a transitional government that would oversee the country until the next election. However, the government has been resistant to this idea. The situation remains tense, with the outcome of the next election uncertain. Many are calling for democratic reforms and an end to the violence, but it remains to be seen if this will be achieved.