Ahmed Osman, the governor of Khartoum, has issued Emergency Order No. 3, imposing a curfew and shutting down all commercial activities from 10 PM to 5 AM due to worsening security conditions.
This order restricts movement for both individuals and vehicles throughout the state.
Authorities in Sudan’s capital are also calling on security and military forces to enforce order amidst the turmoil.
Meanwhile, in Al Fashir, the capital of North Darfur state, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General expressed “grave concern” on Monday over the heavy fighting that has persisted for days between the army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
UN spokesman Farhan Haq stated that the Secretary-General is alarmed by reports of heavy weapons being used in densely populated areas, resulting in numerous casualties, significant displacement, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.
The situation in North Darfur’s capital is particularly dire, with residents facing the “risk of famine and repercussions of over a year of conflict,” Haq added.
Al Fashir, despite being relatively spared from direct conflict so far, hosts more than 800,000 displaced persons. It is a crucial hub for aid in the region, which is home to a quarter of Sudan’s 48 million population.
The Secretary-General has reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid.
He has also appealed to both sides of the conflict to allow civilians to seek refuge in safer areas.
The conflict in Sudan, which erupted on 15 April 2023, involves forces led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and those commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
Al Fashir, standing as the only state capital in the Darfur region not under the control of the RSF, remains a pivotal centre in western Sudan’s ongoing crisis.
