A man walks while smoke rises above buildings after aerial bombardment, during clashes between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum North, Sudan, May 1, 2023. REUTERS/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah
Sudan’s army has asked reservists and retired soldiers to re-enlist to boost its troops amid the ongoing war with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a rival paramilitary.
The call comes after a seven-day truce which both parties have not stood by since the war started in April.
Although the army initially said all retired soldiers and able men should arm themselves for self-defence, a statement on Friday clarified that ex-servicemen were required to present themselves at their nearest military base.
According to a joint statement by Saudi Arabia and the United States, the war’s intensity has dropped but reports of gunfire have persisted.
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“Although there was observed use of military aircraft and isolated gunfire in Khartoum, the situation improved from May 24 when the ceasefire monitoring mechanism detected significant breaches of the agreement,” the statement reads.
The statement said the countries “cautioned the parties against further violations and implored them to improve respect for the ceasefire on May 25, which they did”.
Sudan’s health ministry says at least 730 people have died, but experts say the true figure is likely much higher.
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According to human rights groups, fighting has extended to several major cities of west Sudan in recent days. Khartoum, the country’s capital, bore the most heat when the war initially broke out.
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