Khartoum (TDI): Clashes erupted on Tuesday between the Sudanese regular army and rival paramilitaries in Omdurman, Khartoum’s twin city, with the military calling the fighting part of a “large-scale” offensive.
Multiple explosions rang out in the area, where the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had retreated after losing control of the Khartoum in March, according to AFP.
The military said its operation which started on Monday was aimed at driving the paramilitaries from their last positions in Khartoum state.
“We have launched a massive operation and we are close to clearing the whole of Khartoum state from dirty thugs,” Army Spokesman Nabil Abdallah said in a statement.
The war since April 2023 has pitted the military led by Sudan’s de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against the RSF headed by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.
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The fighting comes as both the military and the RSF are attempting to set up their own governments.
On Monday, army chief Burhan has tapped a former UN official, Kamil Idris, as a new prime minister – an action deemed by observers as an attempt to gain global recognition and present a functioning civilian-led government amid the current war.
The African Union on Tuesday appreciated the appointment, describing it “a step toward inclusive governance” and expressing optimism that the move will “restore constitutional order and democratic governance in the country”.
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Last month, the RSF announced it would set up a rival government, a few weeks after agreeing on a charter in Kenya with a coalition of army and political allies.
In recent weeks, the RSF has launched several drone attacks on areas around Sudan, including Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast, the seat of the army-aligned government since the war erupted.
