The Sudanese army and paramilitary forces, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), are set to hold face-to-face talks for the first time in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The objective of the talks is to put an end to the conflict that has been ongoing since 15 April. The violence has resulted in numerous deaths and thousands of injuries, with UNICEF reporting that 190 children have been killed, and 1,700 others injured. Several previous truces have failed, but a tentative ceasefire is currently allowing foreign nationals to leave the country. However, local people are still dealing with a range of problems, including food, water, medicine and fuel shortages.
Meanwhile, there are concerns on the ground that the RSF is attempting to take control of hospitals, including the Omdurman Maternity Hospital. This move is thought to be aimed at gaining cover from any potential air strikes. RSF fighters have already secured the Omdurman Maternity Hospital, which is the largest obstetrics and gynecology facility in the country, and is located in Sudan's most populated city. Reports suggest that the RSF is taking over strategically located hospitals that can be used as bases for the paramilitary force. This is seen as a response to the destruction of their main military bases by the army in the early days of the conflict. There are concerns that gangs are spreading throughout the two cities, with reports of robberies of banks and markets, and the destruction of shops.