Sudan’s Civil War Engulfs Major Oil Refinery, Raising Humanitarian Concerns
Fighting in Sudan’s civil war has resulted in extensive fires at the country’s largest oil refinery, with conflicting claims from the Sudanese military and the RSF regarding responsibility. The situation threatens Sudan’s economy and exacerbates a humanitarian crisis that has already displaced millions and led to significant fatalities. UN officials have expressed concern over the escalation of violence, urging all parties to de-escalate the conflict.
Fighting in Sudan has escalated, resulting in severe damage to the country’s largest oil refinery, as evidenced by satellite imagery from NASA and Planet Labs. The al-Jaili refinery, located approximately 60 kilometers north of Khartoum, has been a focal point in the ongoing civil war, which erupted notably in April 2023. Forces aligned with the military claim to have captured the refinery from the rebel Rapid Support Force (RSF), which previously guarded the site.
On Thursday, an attack ignited massive fires at the refinery, which had been previously untouched despite the conflict. Satellite data revealed extensive flames billowing from the facility as smoke drifted towards Khartoum. This incident adds to the growing humanitarian crisis, exposing locals to harmful pollutants that could exacerbate health issues.
The Sudanese military accused the RSF of deliberately igniting the fires to devastate national infrastructure, while the RSF retaliated by asserting the military bombarded the refinery from aircraft. Both parties have not produced evidence to validate their claims amidst the intense military confrontations.
China, a major economic partner of Sudan, has not released any statements regarding the refinery’s situation. The al-Jaili refinery is crucial to Sudan’s economy, and its destruction could significantly worsen the economic conditions for citizens, forcing reliance on more costly fuel imports.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his growing concern regarding the conflict’s escalation, urging all factions to avoid actions that may exacerbate the crisis further. The ongoing civil war has already resulted in a staggering loss of life and widespread displacement, leading to a dire humanitarian situation.
Sudan has been in turmoil since the ousting of dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and the failed transition to democracy following a military coup in 2021. The conflict between the military led by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan and the RSF has led to significant violence and instability, with accusations of war crimes and ethnic targeting. The al-Jaili refinery has been a strategic target for both factions, reflecting the broader resource struggles amidst the civil war.
The situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, marked by the recent catastrophic fire at the al-Jaili refinery amid ongoing military confrontations. With thousands already dead and millions displaced, this attack exemplifies the rampant violence threatening Sudan’s infrastructure and populace. The potential long-term effects on the economy and public health remain grave concerns as fighting persists.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
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