Escalating Violence in Port Sudan: A Beacon of Hope Under Attack

Port Sudan, previously a haven for civilians fleeing the civil war, faced drone attacks by the Rapid Support Forces, hitting key facilities like a fuel depot and a hotel. The situation signals a troubling intensification of the conflict that has already caused significant loss of life and displacement in Sudan.

Large clouds of smoke filled the sky in Port Sudan on Tuesday as drone strikes led by the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F) targeted the city deemed safe by many fleeing the violence of the civil war that has wrought devastation across Sudan. For three consecutive days, the R.S.F has conducted attacks on civilian infrastructure in the city, which is considered the wartime capital amid chaos.

The drone strikes struck a fuel depot situated near both the port and the airport, resulting in widespread panic and causing many residents to stay indoors. Sudan’s Minister of Information, Khalid Ali Aleisir, condemned the drone strikes via social media, labeling them as “criminal and terrorist actions.” He reassured the public of the determination of civil defense forces and security agencies to maintain order.

Witness accounts reveal that the R.S.F also targeted the upscale Marina Hotel, frequented by diplomats, heightening fears among the civilian population. Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties following these recent strikes. However, the escalation of attacks signals deteriorating conditions in a conflict that has already taken an alarming toll on Sudan, with estimates suggesting 15,000 lives lost and nearly 13 million people displaced.

Mohamed Ahmed, a displaced person from Khartoum, expressed deep concern upon witnessing the attacks reaching his refuge. “I will not be displaced for another time,” he stated, hinting he might send his family away if fighting worsens. He warned that the continued violence would eventually lead to the destruction of the country's infrastructure.

As clashes drove thousands to Port Sudan, which has become a crucial base for humanitarian aid efforts, this recent violence poses a direct threat to civilians and the already limited ability of aid organizations. The African Union has voiced its distress, highlighting that this violence poses severe risks to regional stability and humanitarian access.

In March, a significant shift occurred when Sudan's military expelled the paramilitary forces from central Khartoum, reclaiming key governmental structures. Nevertheless, the recent spate of attacks in Port Sudan showcases the fragility of peace and hope in what was once a sanctuary for those escaping the horrors of war.