Violent Clashes Erupt in Khartoum as Sudanese Army Targets Rapid Support Forces
In Khartoum, Sudan, violent clashes erupted on December 23, 2024, between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the city of Bahri, located north of the capital. Military sources reported that the army employed aerial bombardments and artillery strikes against RSF positions, leading to a ground assault that successfully reclaimed several neighborhoods, including the Al-Baraha Hospital and local flour factories. The army aims to lift the siege on its command center in central Khartoum, which has been under RSF control since May 2023.
As the conflict escalates, the Sudanese army has also intensified its operations in Darfur, particularly in El Fasher, where heavy artillery bombardments targeted RSF positions. Reports indicate that airstrikes were conducted in Nyala, South Darfur, hitting weapon sites and resulting in civilian casualties. The RSF's attempts to dominate the region have led to ongoing violent confrontations with allied armed movements.
Attorney General Vows to Prosecute RSF for Crimes Against Humanity
In a significant development, Sudan's Attorney General, Mawlana Al-Fateh Muhammad Issa Tayfour, announced plans to prosecute RSF militants for their alleged involvement in heinous crimes, including genocide against the Masalit people in North Darfur. Tayfour emphasized the commitment of the Sudanese judiciary to hold accountable those responsible for crimes against humanity, including widespread rape and violence against civilians.
The Attorney General revealed that over 966 cases of rape have been documented, with many more likely unreported. He has reached out to international counterparts regarding the extradition of suspects, asserting that trials will proceed even in their absence if necessary. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 20,000 deaths and displaced more than 14 million people, prompting urgent calls from the United Nations for an end to hostilities to avert a humanitarian disaster. Currently, approximately 26 million Sudanese face severe food insecurity, raising alarms about a potential food crisis of unprecedented scale in the region.
