Image Credit: Google/ Al-Jazeera

100 Days of Conflict in Sudan: A Timeline of Major Events

The violent war in Sudan between the army and the powerful paramilitary group, Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has entered its 100th day, showing no signs of abating.

The conflict, which erupted on April 15, stems from a power struggle between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo.

The ongoing clashes have resulted in thousands of deaths, forced millions to flee their homes, and worsened the already dire humanitarian crisis in the country.

Here is a timeline of key developments in the conflict:

April 15: Fighting Breaks Out

Heavy gunfire and explosions rock the capital, Khartoum, with both the army and RSF accusing each other of initiating the attacks.

The clashes come after years of instability and previous coups. In addition, fighting erupts in the western region of Darfur, which has already suffered from a brutal war since 2003 under the rule of Omar al-Bashir.

April 22: Evacuations Commence

Several countries begin evacuating their nationals via air and land, leading to thousands fleeing the country while some embassies are ransacked.

Millions of Sudanese find themselves trapped in their homes, facing shortages of essential supplies like water, food, and medicine.

April 25: Failed Truce

The United States and Saudi Arabia negotiate a 72-hour truce, but it is quickly violated, followed by several unsuccessful attempts at further truce deals.

Ahmed Harun, a prominent figure from al-Bashir's government, claims to have escaped from prison, and al-Bashir, wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on genocide charges related to the Darfur war, is transferred to a hospital before the fighting begins.

April 26: Aid Agencies Face Challenges

Humanitarian efforts across the country are disrupted, leading to alarm among aid agencies, which struggle to resume operations while ensuring the safety of their staff.

April 27: Ceasefire Violated Again

The Sudanese army and the RSF agree to extend the faltering ceasefire for an additional 72 hours, but fighting continues in Khartoum and the Darfur region, with warplanes patrolling and heavy gunfire exchanged on the ground.

May 6: Talks Begin in Jeddah

US and Saudi-backed talks between army and RSF envoys commence in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

May 11: Humanitarian Aid Permitted But Fighting Persists

Both sides agree to allow urgent humanitarian aid to reach affected areas, pledging to protect civilians, but hostilities persist.

May 22: Another Ceasefire Violated

A new one-week ceasefire comes into effect but is repeatedly violated.

May 31: Army Withdraws from Talks

The army suspends its participation in ceasefire talks, accusing the RSF of not honoring their commitments.

June 1: US Imposes Sanctions

The US imposes sanctions against two firms associated with the army and two others linked to the RSF, warning of holding accountable those undermining peace in Sudan and imposing visa restrictions on actors perpetuating violence.

June 6: Civilians Face Shortages

Intensified attacks exacerbate the hardships faced by civilians, who already struggle with limited access to water, food, and medicine.

Looters add to the chaos by robbing neighborhoods across Khartoum.

June 7: Fire Engulfs Fuel Facility

A significant fire engulfs a fuel facility in Khartoum during a crucial weapons depot battle, close to an army base and a weapons manufacturing company.

June 8: Orphans Evacuated

After eight weeks into the conflict, 280 children and 70 caregivers are evacuated from Al-Mayqoma orphanage in Khartoum to a new facility in Madani, highlighting the difficulty of obtaining security guarantees from warring parties.

June 9: UN Envoy Declared 'Persona Non Grata'

Sudanese authorities declare the UN envoy to the country, Volker Perthes, "persona non grata" after the army chief accuses him of inflaming the conflict.

June 10: Ceasefire Announced and Broken

Both sides agree to a 24-hour ceasefire and to allow the unimpeded movement and delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout the country.

However, fighting resumes within 30 minutes of the ceasefire ending, resulting in the deaths of seven civilians.

June 14: Mass Displacement

Over two million people have been forced to flee their homes in Sudan, with more than 1.6 million internally displaced and approximately 530,000 seeking refuge in neighboring countries, according to the UN.

June 15: Governor Killed in Darfur

West Darfur state Governor Khamis Abakar is abducted and killed after blaming RSF for the deaths of civilians, marking a new escalation in the conflict.

June 17: Another Ceasefire Announced

Both sides agree to a 72-hour ceasefire, allowing unimpeded movement and delivery of humanitarian aid.

June 19: Donors Pledge Support

International donors commit nearly $1.5 billion for the humanitarian response in Sudan and the region, as the UN calls for increased aid efforts totaling $2.57 billion.

June 20: Darfur Governor Calls for Probe

Darfur Governor Mini Arko Minawi calls for an international investigation into violence in the region and urges the UN Security Council to allow the ICC to probe crimes and assassinations.

June 21: Fighting Resumes After Ceasefire Ends

Intense battles break out after a 72-hour ceasefire expires, with fighting intensifying in parts of the capital, including around the intelligence agency's headquarters.

July 2: Continued Fighting and Air Raids

Fighting persists, with air raids reported in northern parts of Khartoum and heavy artillery used in the city's east.

July 5: UN Condemns 'Sexual Violence'

The UN expresses shock at increasing sexual violence against women and girls in Sudan, calling for independent investigations to hold perpetrators accountable.

July 10: Regional Bloc Calls for Summit

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) holds a meeting in Addis Ababa to initiate a peace process, after talks in Jeddah were suspended due to ceasefire violations.

July 12: UK Imposes Sanctions on Businesses

The United Kingdom imposes sanctions on three businesses associated with the army and three linked to the RSF.

July 13: ICC Investigates Darfur Violence

The ICC launches an investigation into the surge of hostilities in Darfur, including reported killings, rapes, arson, displacement, and crimes affecting children.