Sudan expert describes the scene on the ground

Nisrin Elamin, an Assistant Professor of Anthropology and African Studies at the University of Toronto, is currently in Sudan and spoke to Middle East Eye about the fast moving situation on the ground.

"I am in Khartoum, north Bahri close to a Rapid Support Forces (RSF) compound, sheltering in place with my parents and 3-year-old. We can hear heavy gunfire between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF," she told MEE.

"The electricity is out and the internet will likely get shut down soon too."

Fierce clashes broke out between Sudan's military and the powerful RSF early on Saturday, raising fears of a wider conflict in the chaos-stricken country.

In a series of statements, the RSF accused the army of attacking its forces at one of its bases in south Khartoum. They have since claimed to have seized the the seat of the country’s presidency and capital's airport.

"Thinking of all the people in Khartoum and Sudan who cannot shelter in a place, who live in structures that do not provide much shelter from this shit show," said Elamin.

"Tensions between the RSF and the SAF have been brewing for a while. Many predicted that fighting could break out. This is a power struggle for political control and it is the people of Sudan who have long been demanding a full transition to civilian rule, who are suffering the consequences of this power struggle," she added.