Loud explosions reported at dawn and plumes of smoke as RSF targets Sudanese government's seat of power

In what marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have launched drone strikes against the northern port city of Port Sudan, the country's temporary capital during the civil war. For the first time, the city, which had been perceived as a secure haven, came under attack over consecutive days. The drone assaults, particularly targeting the city's airport terminal and infrastructure including a military warehouse, have led to widespread panic among civilians. All flights have reportedly been grounded, and the popular Marina Hotel was also struck. Eyewitness accounts describe the city engulfed in smoke, leaving many without power and no immediate estimates of casualties available. These strikes have fueled mounting tensions between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates, with Sudanese officials accusing the UAE of supplying advanced weaponry to the RSF. Sudan's defense minister has publicly labeled the UAE an 'aggressor state' and severed diplomatic ties, asserting that the UAE has escalated its military support for the RSF, supplying them with strategic tools for rebellion. This assertion is staunchly contested by the UAE, reflecting a deeper geopolitical rift as both nations navigate the troubled waters of Middle Eastern and African politics. The human cost of this conflict has been staggering; the UN estimates that the ongoing war has claimed as many as 150,000 lives and displaced over 15 million people – about one-third of Sudan's prewar population. As these tensions simmer, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, leading to significant food shortages and a dire need for international intervention. The situation in Port Sudan illustrates the complexities of a civil war that transitioned from an initial struggle for power to deeply rooted humanitarian degradation, where accusations of genocide surface against both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The RSF evolved from the notorious Janjaweed militias infamous for the Darfur genocide. Their refusal to integrate into the regular armed forces if the transitional government was to succeed could very well mean that the conflict remains unresolved, perpetuating violence and suffering for countless civilians caught in the crossfire of power struggles. Last month, evidence surfaced suggesting direct UAE support to the RSF, with particular focus on the International Court of Justice's rejection of Sudan's attempts to hold the UAE accountable for its actions. This raises pressing questions about accountability in international conflict and the role of foreign nations in internal wars. In a broader context, as Sudan grapples with external manipulation and internal discord, the humanitarian response system is severely tested. Organizations working within the refugee camps report a significant increase in violence against aid workers and civilians, underscoring the urgency for comprehensive diplomatic efforts involving multiple international stakeholders. The stakes are impossibly high, as failure to stabilize the situation risks further spiraling into a humanitarian disaster that the region is ill-equipped to manage. As we continue to monitor this situation, the spotlight remains on the actions of international powers and their implications for peace and security in Sudan.