Darfur governor and former rebel leader Minni Arko Minnawi has once again called on civilians in the region to take up arms for self-defense, citing the necessity of the current situation according to Al Arabiya.
He claims that his administration is actively working to mediate between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the army to halt the ongoing conflict in Darfur, which has persisted for four months.
These repeated statements from Mr. Minnawi have raised concerns about the potential escalation of ethnic tensions and the risk of Darfur plunging into a full-fledged civil war.
Additionally, other parts of Sudan, including the capital Khartoum, have reported intense fighting between the army and the RSF.
Eyewitnesses in Khartoum said the army carried out the “heaviest” airstrikes so far against RSF positions in several areas.
The army said it killed 18 RSF fighters in clashes in Omdurman and Khartoum.
Renewed clashes were also reported in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur state, after a lull in fighting.
The fighting has persisted despite continuing indirect talks between the army and RSF representatives in the Saudi city of Jeddah.