Fierce clashes between Sudan's military and the country's powerful paramilitary force erupted Saturday in the capital, Khartoum, as the two sides vied for control of the city.
The fighting began after the paramilitary force, known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), moved to block a convoy of army vehicles from entering the city. The RSF is led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who is also the deputy head of Sudan's ruling Sovereign Council.
The RSF is accused of human rights abuses, including the killing of protesters during the 2019 uprising that led to the overthrow of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir.
The fighting quickly escalated, with both sides using heavy weapons. The sound of gunfire and explosions could be heard throughout the city.
The fighting has raised fears of a wider conflict in Sudan. The country is still struggling to recover from the 2019 uprising, which plunged the country into a political and economic crisis.
The United States and the European Union have called for an end to the fighting and for all parties to respect the rule of law.
The fighting is a setback for Sudan's fragile transition to democracy. The country is currently ruled by a joint military-civilian government that was formed after al-Bashir's overthrow.
The government has been working to implement a series of reforms, including the dismantling of the RSF. However, the fighting has cast doubt on the government's ability to carry out these reforms.
The fighting is also a reminder of the deep divisions that exist in Sudan. The country is still divided between those who support the military and those who support the civilian government.
The fighting is likely to further deepen these divisions and make it more difficult for Sudan to achieve stability.