Tensions between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have peaked, with both sides resorting to military mobilization and counter-mobilization.
International, regional, and domestic mediators from civil and armed factions have rushed to take urgent action to halt the mutual escalation and calm the situation before it worsens.
The dispute arose on Wednesday after the RSF, an elite paramilitary force, deployed troops in the city of Meroe, north of Khartoum.
However, the army intercepted these forces and prevented them from advancing from around the international airport of the city.
Local sources informed Asharq Al-Awsat that the situation in Meroe remained tense until Thursday evening.
Both parties remain in a state of extreme readiness in their positions, sources added.
Reports from military sources indicated that the army gave the RSF a 24-hour deadline, which ended on Thursday, to withdraw immediately from the city.
Despite the army’s deadline, RSF units are still stationed in their positions, sources revealed.
Social media activists reported that RSF armored and military vehicles, led by the deputy chairman of the Sovereignty Council, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemetti), had arrived from Darfur and were bound for military sites and headquarters in the center of the capital, Khartoum.
The military movements by the army and RSF have raised concerns and serious worries among citizens about the country being dragged into a civil war.
A convoy of vehicles belonging to the RSF, which included armored trucks, was spotted entering Khartoum and roaming its streets.
Rising tensions led the US embassy in Khartoum to issue a warning to its citizens against traveling to the northern state and adjacent areas.
“Due to the increased presence of security forces, American citizens are advised to avoid travel to Karima, Northern Sudan, and surrounding areas,” said a statement released by the US embassy.
