The situation in Darfur continues to be of concern as negotiations for a ceasefire and access to humanitarian aid continue in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Sudanese generals Hemedti and al-Burhan seem unwilling to give up ground, both on the battlefield and on the negotiating table.
Despite some temporary truces obtained during discussions, fighting continues in the Darfur region. The town of Nyala became the scene of clashes between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by General Hemedti and the forces of General al-Burhan.
Nyala, once an important commercial hub in the region, is strategically located in South Darfur, close to the Central African Republic and South Sudan. According to local testimonies, the city is now under the control of the RSF, who have deployed hundreds of armored vehicles to patrol the neighborhoods.
The takeover of Nyala represents a major breakthrough in the RSF offensive in Darfur. Indeed, the city has an airport which would facilitate the rapid resupply of General Hemedti’s troops. Additionally, control of this region gives the RSF increased political weight during negotiations in Saudi Arabia.
However, this escalation of fighting in Nyala has serious humanitarian consequences for civilians. We are witnessing crossfire and indiscriminate bombings which are causing casualties among the civilian population. This situation risks further aggravating the humanitarian crisis already present in the region.
It is important to emphasize that violence continues despite ongoing talks. The current negotiations in Jeddah are crucial to reaching consensus and ending the fighting in Darfur. It is necessary for Generals Hemedti and al-Burhan to demonstrate political will and agree to a lasting ceasefire and unhindered access to humanitarian aid.
In conclusion, the situation in Darfur remains critical, with persistent clashes between Sudanese forces. The takeover of Nyala by the RSF represents an important strategic issue and will make negotiations even more difficult. It is imperative that stakeholders find a way to end the violence and ensure security and humanitarian assistance for the civilian population.