Published 15th Apr, 2023

By Joseph Adeiye

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a Sudanese paramilitary group, has claimed it seized Khartoum airport, an airport and air base in the northern city of Marawi, and the presidential palace in Khartoum on Saturday.

Reports coming from Khartoum, the Sudanese capital, confirm heavy gunfire as diplomats and government officials sent messages urging a deescalation.

On the one hand, the RSF has accused the Sudanese army of attacking its forces. On the other hand, the Sudanese army said it defended itself when RSF troops tried to attack its forces in southern Khartoum.

The military has declared the RSF a “rebel force” and described their statements as “lies”.

Images and videos from Khartoum show clouds of explosive smoke in the air. Armed officials have taken over airports.

The Rapid Support Forces of Sudan have reportedly seized control of the Khartoum and Merowe airports and caused significant damage to the regular army.

However, the federal government security service of Sudan has labeled the Rapid Support Forces as rebels.

In response to the… https://t.co/kBVoj1dWqU pic.twitter.com/iltqXwWo0z
— 301 Military (@301military) April 15, 2023

The Nigerian Embassy in Khartoum, situated on 17 Macnimer Street, has been silent.

Haliru Sodongi Shuaibi, Ambassador of Nigeria to Sudan, heads the embassy. Shuaibi has not released a statement on the development in Khartoum.

John Godfrey, Ambassador of the United States to Sudan, said that he and embassy staff had to seek shelter from gunfire in Khartoum.

Escalation of tensions within the military component to direct fighting is extremely dangerous. I urgently call on senior military leaders to stop the fighting. (2/2)
— Daniel Rubinstein (@USAMBSudan) April 15, 2023

The special envoys from France, Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the European Union expressed deep concerns about heightened tensions in Sudan and risk of escalation between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces on Thursday.

“Escalatory actions threaten to derail negotiations toward the establishment of a civilian-led transitional government,” the joint statement read in part.

“We call on Sudan’s military and civilian leaders to take active steps to reduce tensions. We urge them to hold to their commitments and engage constructively to resolve outstanding issues on security sector reform to establish a future unified, professional military accountable to a civilian government.”

At press time, FIJ’s mail sent to the Nigerian Embassy in Sudan on Saturday morning had received no response.

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