FIERCE fighting resumed today between Sudan’s military and its former partners in government, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), after a three-day ceasefire expired, residents reported.

Sudan descended into conflict in mid-April after months of worsening tensions exploded into open fighting between rival generals seeking to control the African nation. 

The deadly fighting pits the military, led by General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, against the RSF, a militia-turned-paramilitary force commanded by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo.

The temporary truce had brought relative calm to Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, since it took effect, but fierce fighting was reported, starting on Tuesday night in parts of the city.

Residents said that the clashes centred around an intelligence headquarters near Khartoum International Airport. 

Sporadic clashes were reported elsewhere in the capital, according to locals.

“The battles have been intensified,” said Khalid Abdel-Rahman, who lives in Khartoum’s city centre. “Sounds of gunfire echoed across the area.”

Fierce clashes were also reported around a military facility in the neighbouring city of Omdurman, according to area resistance committees that are part of a wider group that spearheaded pro-democracy demonstrations over the past years.

The fighting has killed thousands of people and forced more than 2.5 million people to flee to safer areas in Sudan and neighbouring countries.