Sudan is facing a humanitarian crisis as fighting between rival military factions continues for the sixth day in the capital Khartoum and other cities. The army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been clashing since last week over who should control the country after a coup in October.
The violence has killed hundreds of civilians, injured thousands more, and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes. Many hospitals have closed or run out of supplies, and water and electricity are scarce.
Several foreign countries have evacuated their nationals from Sudan, as the main international airport remains closed. The army said it would help foreigners leave through a Red Sea port, but questions remain over how the operation would unfold. Some Sudanese troops have also fled to neighboring Chad, fearing reprisals from the RSF.
A second attempt at a ceasefire failed on Wednesday, as air strikes and gunfire rocked Khartoum. The RSF leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, accused the army of violating the truce and vowed to continue fighting until he seized power.
The international community has condemned the violence and urged both sides to respect human rights and resume dialogue. Egypt, which is close to the army, has expressed concern over the situation and offered to mediate.
Sudan has been in turmoil since former President Omar al-Bashir was ousted in 2019 after mass demonstrations against his rule. A transitional government was formed between civilians and the military, but it was overthrown by al-Burhan in October. The coup sparked renewed protests and resistance from pro-democracy groups, who demand a return to civilian rule.