Okay, I was way off. Situation definitely becoming worse

Well, I guess it is not always just rumor. Turns out that the rebel groups did indeed attack Khartoum. The situation is fluid. Right now all the airports in Darfur are closed by order of the government, so I am stuck. Not that I would necessarily want to evacuate to Khartoum given its problems over the last few days. In case you missed it all. Here is a a summary of what happened.

April 20 – May 8

JEM and SLA Unity troops reported to be gathering in NNE Darfur. 3-4 columns of rebel troops moved into North Kordofan on May 8 and 9.

Friday May 9 Morning:

Rumours spread of possible coup (rumours reaching UN in NY). Noon: Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports: 3,000 JEM troops are making their way through North Kordofan to Khartoum Arabic-speaking foreigners are reportedly among the JEM force It comprises 4 columns led by Khalil Ibrahim and commander Abdel Ashr The GOS described it as a “suicidal action” SAF has been ordered to confront JEM and block its route – but also to “show restraint” in order to avoid civilian casualties in populated areas They are concerned that JEM will attack cities such as Al Nahud and El Fasher on their return from Khartoum Salva Kiir offered troops to support the GOS, and Minni Minnawi offered information and intelligence Afternoon: Clashes reported between JEM and SAF at Um Qarein in North Kordofan

Saturday May 10 Morning:

Quiet and no incident reported Afternoon and evening:
16:45: Shooting starts in Omdurman between JEM and SAF
17:00: GOS tanks and helicopters deployed from the main airport
17:00-20:00: Three hours of heavy fighting in Omdurman. Two main attacks were launched – one from the north of Omdurman and one from the west of Omdurman.
02:00-04:00 (May 11th): Further shooting reporting west of Omdurman Evening: President Bashir breaks off ties with Chad, and announces that Sudan “reserves the right to respond to attacks”. Sudanese state media announces links between Chad and the rebel attack. Sunday

May 11

Withdrawal of JEM from Omdurman – not known where to, or how many troops. JEM suffered significant losses, including Jamali (JEM Number 2 commander and Khalil Ibrahim’s right hand man) The GOS reports Khalil Ibrahim is wounded and hiding in Khartoum and offers $125,000 reward for his capture

On Sunday night, opposition leader Hassan al Turabi is arrested, along with 5 colleagues from his Popular Congress Party (PCP). Casualties (civilians and armed actors) All information still very much unconfirmed

GOS: Open sources report 10 SAF, 20 police and 20 National Security fatalities

JEM: Reports of around 67 JEM fatalities, 120 arrested and 30 vehicles destroyed. GOS reports between 45-200 JEM killed Civilians: GOS reports 15 civilians killed by JEM (in one attack on a biscuit factory).

Q&A INGO representatives asked UNDSS whether visitors should be advised to travel to Khartoum. UNDSS advised if flights were available, they did not see a problem. INGOs asked for future meetings to discuss how to improve communication and coordination with UNDSS, as focal points have shifted in last few months.

The UNDSS representative flagged some challenges created by the split between UNAMID (covering Darfur) and UNMIS (covering Rest of Sudan). However, a follow-up meeting was agreed.

INGOs asked given the regional factors and implications of this incident (involving Chad, Darfur and Rest of Sudan), how does UNAMID, UNMIS, EUFOR AND MINURCAT exchange information and analysis?

INGOs emphasised need for better information sharing, analysis and contingency planning (eg for staff safety and preparation for population movements/humanitarian needs).