With the ongoing conflict in Sudan since mid-April, clashes have renewed between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Saturday night in Nyala, South Darfur. These clashes have resulted in several casualties, including five fatalities and several injuries among civilians.
Since the outbreak of fighting between the two major military forces in the country on April 15th, there have been growing concerns about Darfur sliding into a bitter civil and tribal war, especially since the region is filled with painful memories.
This vast region, inhabited by several Arab and African tribes, known for agriculture, and roughly the size of France, is fraught with painful memories of the devastating civil war that lasted for years, resulting in thousands of casualties and major tribal massacres, dating back to 2003.
The conflict in Darfur erupted in 2003 when a group of rebels stood against government forces backed by Janjaweed militias. The violence led to the death of around 300,000 people and the displacement of millions.
Despite numerous peace agreements, tension has persisted since then, like smouldering embers waiting for a spark to reignite it.
Violence has escalated intermittently over the past two years before subsiding somewhat, only to flare up again following the conflict between the army and the RSF.