The Embassy of Pakistan in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, was hit by gunfire on Wednesday as clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces continued for the fifth consecutive day. The embassy confirmed in a statement that the building was hit by three bullets, causing damage to the chancery building. The embassy called the incident a violation of the Vienna Convention, which states that the host government is responsible for providing security to diplomatic missions. The embassy urged both parties to exercise restraint and requested the Sudanese government to immediately deploy security personnel for the protection of the embassy. The embassy also advised all Pakistanis to stay at home and avoid unnecessary outings due to the deteriorating security situation.
The ongoing clashes have led to thousands of residents fleeing the capital, where witnesses have reported bodies in the street. Embassies have reported that the fighting has killed more than 270 civilians. The Rapid Support Forces paramilitaries and the army have both announced a complete ceasefire, but shots were still heard throughout Khartoum at the appointed time. Foreign diplomats have been attacked, and the United Nations has received reports of attacks and sexual violence against aid workers. Many governments have started planning to evacuate their citizens, including many UN staff.
The violence erupted on Saturday between the forces of army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the RSF. It followed a dispute over the planned integration of the RSF into the regular army, which is a key condition for a final deal aimed at restoring Sudan’s democratic transition. Battles have damaged residential and commercial buildings, and civilians sheltering in their homes are becoming increasingly desperate due to dwindling food supplies, power outages, and a lack of running water.
