Fierce fighting continues today in Sudan with neither side, neither the Sudanese army nor the paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF) willing to come to talks.

At least 56 civilians were killed, among them three employees from the World Food Program, while dozens were injured. Two Greek civilians were also injured in the clashes yesterday and have been taken to the hospital. According to the Sudanese Doctors Union, nearly 600 people have been injured, including civilians and fighters, as reported by the Associated Press.

The World Food Program is temporarily suspending its operations in Sudan

In a statement, the WFP said it was “appalled” by the news of the deaths of three of its staff.

“Our deepest condolences go out to their families and we call on all sides in Sudan to respect the neutrality of humanitarian aid workers in Sudan whose role is to assist all sides in this crisis,” stated in the announcement.

“WFP has been forced to temporarily suspend operations while we review the security situation. The ongoing violence has a serious impact on our work and the people we serve.” he adds.

“We urge all parties to reach an agreement that will allow the continued delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid to Sudan” emphasized in the WFP statement.

Cross-categories

The two sides they blame each other for instigating the conflict which is already bringing the country to the brink of a new civil war, while according to information from ERT there are civilians trapped in damaged buildings.

“Civilians remain trapped in buildings damaged by the explosions as it is impossible for them to go out into the streets”eyewitnesses describe.

Armored vehicles, truck-mounted machine guns and warplanes have been carrying out attacks since morning in Khartoum, the neighboring city of Omdurman and other key points across the country.

In Khartoum and Omdurman, there was fighting around the military headquarters, Khartoum International Airport and the headquarters of state television. A senior military official said RSF fighters clashed with troops at the military headquarters early Sunday and a fire broke out at a ground troop facility.

“The fighting hasn’t stopped.” said prominent rights defender Tahani Abbas who lives near the military headquarters. “They shoot at each other in the streets. It’s an all-out war in populated areas.” he added.

Alongside, internet in Sudan was down for a while at the behest of the government’s telecommunications regulator, two company officials told Reuters today, Sunday.

Huda, a young resident of southern Khartoum, told Reuters: “We are scared, we haven’t slept for 24 hours because of the noise because the house is shaking. We worry about running out of water and food and medicine for my diabetic father.” he said.

“There is so much false information and everyone is lying. We don’t know when this will end, how it will end.” he added.

War of words for power

As the fighting continues, both sides have made different claims about the extent of territory they control. The Sudanese military says it captured strategic bases belonging to the Rapid Support Force (RSF) in Port Sudan, Kassala, Kandaref, Demazin and Kosti.

For its part, the RSF claims to control 90% of the capital Khartoum, with only the remaining 10% in the hands of the military.

It also claims to dominate several strategic locations in Omdurman and Darfur, as well as the Merowe airport, where the situation appears to be better today and calm so far.

In recent months, internationally supported negotiations have revived hopes for a smooth transition to democracy. However, growing tensions between Burhan and Dagalo eventually delayed an agreement with the political parties.