Fighting has broken out between forces loyal to Sudan’s army chief and his deputy, resulting in more than 300 deaths. The United States is preparing to deploy additional forces to eastern Africa in case an evacuation of American embassy personnel in Sudan becomes necessary due to the conflict in Khartoum. The Pentagon stated that the deployment is for contingency purposes related to securing and potentially facilitating the departure of US Embassy staff from Sudan.
The RSF, a powerful group formed from members of the Janjaweed militia, has said that its forces will “fully commit to a complete ceasefire”. However, witnesses report that gunfire has not stopped in Khartoum, and another ceasefire was breached within minutes of its supposed start for the second time in as many days. The situation is tense, and the US is taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of its embassy staff.
The fighting has resulted in a loss of life, and most residents of Khartoum have been stuck in their homes without electricity, food or water. Witnesses have reported loud explosions in the city of Obeid, in central state of North Kordofan. The US deployment is expected to be to Djibouti.
