Amidst the escalating conflict in Sudan, the Sudanese army has issued a public call to arms, urging young people and all capable citizens to enlist in the fight against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. This appeal, disseminated via their official Facebook page, directs individuals to report to the nearest military command or unit for equipping and deployment.
This recent call follows a similar plea made by General Abdel Fattah Burhan, the head of the military, in a televised address just days prior. He encouraged the nation's youth and anyone capable of combat to bolster the army's ranks, either from their homes or by actively joining the military movement. The nature of this enlistment drive, whether voluntary or enforced conscription, remains unclear.
The conflict, which erupted on April 15th between the military and the RSF, has plunged Sudan into chaos. The death toll, according to the Sudanese Health Ministry, has surpassed 3,000, with the United Nations estimating around 2.5 million people displaced. However, the actual number of casualties is suspected to be significantly higher.
In Khartoum, the capital city, the RSF appears to have gained control of the streets, converting civilian homes into operational bases. The army has responded with airstrikes targeting these areas, some of which have unfortunately hit residential buildings and hospitals. The western province of West Darfur has been particularly hard hit by the violence. The leader of the Masalit ethnic community has accused the RSF and allied Arab militias of perpetrating genocide against African civilians, claiming over 5,000 lives have been lost in the provincial capital of Genena in the last two months.
Despite several attempts at peace talks mediated by Riyadh and Washington in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a lasting ceasefire remains elusive. Both mediating parties have publicly criticized the RSF and the army for repeatedly violating the negotiated truces. Although at least nine ceasefires have been agreed upon since the conflict began, none have held.
