• Smoke billows above Khartoum's international airport amid fighting between the forces of two rival generals in Sudan. AFP
    Smoke billows above Khartoum's international airport amid fighting between the forces of two rival generals in Sudan. AFP
  • People carry Othman Mohamed, a senior military officer loyal to army chief Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, in the Red Sea city of Port Sudan. AFP
    People carry Othman Mohamed, a senior military officer loyal to army chief Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, in the Red Sea city of Port Sudan. AFP
  • Residential buildings damaged in the fighting in Khartoum, Sudan. AP Photo
    Residential buildings damaged in the fighting in Khartoum, Sudan. AP Photo
  • People cheer with Sudanese army soldiers manning a position in the Red Sea city of Port Sudan. AFP
    People cheer with Sudanese army soldiers manning a position in the Red Sea city of Port Sudan. AFP
  • People queue for water in Khartoum. The fighting has resulted in food and water shortages. Reuters
    People queue for water in Khartoum. The fighting has resulted in food and water shortages. Reuters
  • Black smoke covering the sky above the capital, Khartoum. AFP
    Black smoke covering the sky above the capital, Khartoum. AFP
  • Vehicles destroyed during fighting in southern Khartoum. AFP
    Vehicles destroyed during fighting in southern Khartoum. AFP
  • People head for the station to flee Khartoum during clashes between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the army. Reuters
    People head for the station to flee Khartoum during clashes between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the army. Reuters
  • Smoke and fire rise from an apartment building, after a shell hit the complex in Khartoum. Reuters
    Smoke and fire rise from an apartment building, after a shell hit the complex in Khartoum. Reuters
  • Heavy fighting has broken out across the country. AFP
    Heavy fighting has broken out across the country. AFP
  • A building damaged by the fighting. EPA
    A building damaged by the fighting. EPA
  • A destroyed vehicle of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in southern Khartoum. AFP
    A destroyed vehicle of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in southern Khartoum. AFP
  • A building damaged by the fighting. EPA
    A building damaged by the fighting. EPA
  • People gather at a bus station to escape Khartoum. Reuters
    People gather at a bus station to escape Khartoum. Reuters
  • People leave their homes amid the fighting. AFP
    People leave their homes amid the fighting. AFP
  • People look for drinking water in Khartoum, Sudan. Faiz Abubakr for The National
    People look for drinking water in Khartoum, Sudan. Faiz Abubakr for The National
  • A building burns at Merowe Airport in Sudan. AFP
    A building burns at Merowe Airport in Sudan. AFP
  • A man holds two bullets that hit his home. Faiz Abubakr for The National
    A man holds two bullets that hit his home. Faiz Abubakr for The National
  • People gather for a meal to break their fast during Ramadan in Port Sudan. AFP
    People gather for a meal to break their fast during Ramadan in Port Sudan. AFP
  • Satellite image shows a close-up view of destroyed helicopters in South Khartoum. Reuters
    Satellite image shows a close-up view of destroyed helicopters in South Khartoum. Reuters
  • The Port Sudan branch of the Central Bank of Sudan. AFP
    The Port Sudan branch of the Central Bank of Sudan. AFP
  • A hole from an explosion on the side of a building in Khartoum, after fighting between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces led by rival generals. AFP
    A hole from an explosion on the side of a building in Khartoum, after fighting between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces led by rival generals. AFP
  • People queue for bread outside a bakery amid a food crisis in Khartoum. AFP
    People queue for bread outside a bakery amid a food crisis in Khartoum. AFP
  • Smoke rises above Khartoum. Faiz Abubakr / The National
    Smoke rises above Khartoum. Faiz Abubakr / The National
  • Fearful families try to shelter from the fighting in houses in Khartoum. Faiz Abubakr / The National
    Fearful families try to shelter from the fighting in houses in Khartoum. Faiz Abubakr / The National
  • A deserted avenue in Khartoum as residents fear to go out due to intense fighting. AP
    A deserted avenue in Khartoum as residents fear to go out due to intense fighting. AP
  • A Sudanese army tank in a street in the Red Sea city of Port Sudan. AFP
    A Sudanese army tank in a street in the Red Sea city of Port Sudan. AFP
  • Houses have been severely damanged during clashes between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the army. Reuters
    Houses have been severely damanged during clashes between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the army. Reuters
  • Satellite images show a destroyed Ukrainian plane at Khartoum International Airport. Reuters
    Satellite images show a destroyed Ukrainian plane at Khartoum International Airport. Reuters
  • Market stalls abandoned in south Khartoum as fighting in the Sudanese capital rages for a third day. AFP
    Market stalls abandoned in south Khartoum as fighting in the Sudanese capital rages for a third day. AFP
  • Smoke rises over buildings during clashes. Reuters
    Smoke rises over buildings during clashes. Reuters
  • Damage at the Communications Authority Building. Reuters
    Damage at the Communications Authority Building. Reuters
  • People queue for bread outside a bakery amid a food crisis. AFP
    People queue for bread outside a bakery amid a food crisis. AFP
  • Destroyed fuel trucks at a depot in Khartoum. Reuters
    Destroyed fuel trucks at a depot in Khartoum. Reuters
  • Sudanese army soldiers, loyal to Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, at the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) base in the Red Sea city of Port Sudan. AFP
    Sudanese army soldiers, loyal to Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, at the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) base in the Red Sea city of Port Sudan. AFP
  • Smoke rises from a fire on the tarmac of Khartoum International Airport in Sudan as fighting between the government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continues. Reuters
    Smoke rises from a fire on the tarmac of Khartoum International Airport in Sudan as fighting between the government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continues. Reuters
  • Abdalla Hamdok, former prime minister of Sudan, addresses the current crisis and violence on the streets of his homeland at a news conference in Abu Dhabi. Reuters
    Abdalla Hamdok, former prime minister of Sudan, addresses the current crisis and violence on the streets of his homeland at a news conference in Abu Dhabi. Reuters
  • Burning planes at Khartoum International Airport. EPA
    Burning planes at Khartoum International Airport. EPA
  • Damage and a fire on the Kobar Bridge in Khartoum. AFP
    Damage and a fire on the Kobar Bridge in Khartoum. AFP
  • Heavy smoke billows above Khartoum International Airport. AFP
    Heavy smoke billows above Khartoum International Airport. AFP
  • Smoke billows above residential buildings in Khartoum, as fighting in Sudan raged for a second day. AFP
    Smoke billows above residential buildings in Khartoum, as fighting in Sudan raged for a second day. AFP
  • A military vehicle patrols the streets as the fighting continues. AFP
    A military vehicle patrols the streets as the fighting continues. AFP
  • Smoke rises over the city. Reuters
    Smoke rises over the city. Reuters
  • Thick smoke rises above buildings near the airport amid clashes between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. AFP
    Thick smoke rises above buildings near the airport amid clashes between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. AFP
  • Explosions rock the Sudanese capital as paramilitary fighters and the regular army attack each other's bases. AFP
    Explosions rock the Sudanese capital as paramilitary fighters and the regular army attack each other's bases. AFP
  • The fighting has raised fears of a wider conflict in the country. AP
    The fighting has raised fears of a wider conflict in the country. AP
  • Government soldiers stationed on a key road in Khartoum. AFP
    Government soldiers stationed on a key road in Khartoum. AFP
  • The fighting comes days after the army warned the country was at a 'dangerous' turning point. AP
    The fighting comes days after the army warned the country was at a 'dangerous' turning point. AP
  • People walk past a military vehicle in Khartoum. AFP
    People walk past a military vehicle in Khartoum. AFP

MENA

Sudan's Eid ceasefire shattered as fighting rages on in Khartoum

Army chief Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan says military remains committed to transition to civil rule

The National

April 21, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

Follow the latest updates from Sudan here

The first day of Eid in Sudan on Friday was marked by heavy fighting, gunfire and the sound of explosions across Khartoum.

Paramilitaries and the army fought for a sixth day despite calls for a truce over the holiday to mark the end of Ramadan.

Where the situation was calmer, hundreds gathered for early prayers even though the crackle of gunfire echoed through the city.

  • Sudanese worshippers gather on the first day of Eid Al Fitr in the Juraif Gharb area of Khartoum. All photos: AFP
    Sudanese worshippers gather on the first day of Eid Al Fitr in the Juraif Gharb area of Khartoum. All photos: AFP
  • Prayers at Al Hara Al Rabaa Mosque in Juraif Gharb
    Prayers at Al Hara Al Rabaa Mosque in Juraif Gharb
  • The faithful come together in the mosque to mark Eid
    The faithful come together in the mosque to mark Eid
  • A young worshipper in the Sudanese capital
    A young worshipper in the Sudanese capital
  • Holiday greetings at Al Hara Al Rabaa Mosque
    Holiday greetings at Al Hara Al Rabaa Mosque
  • Hugs and prayers to mark the occasion in Khartoum
    Hugs and prayers to mark the occasion in Khartoum
  • Handshakes as Eid is celebrated in Juraif Gharb
    Handshakes as Eid is celebrated in Juraif Gharb

Since fighting began on Saturday between the Rapid Support Forces led by Gen Mohamed Dagalo, known as Hemedti, and his former boss, Sudanese army chief Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, more than 300 have been killed and thousands wounded.

The Central Committee of Sudan Doctors said that overnight, as Eid Al Fitr celebrations marking the end of Ramadan began, “several areas of Khartoum were bombed”. It reported “shelling and clashes” for the sixth night in a row.

Khartoum has seen some of the fiercest fighting, with air strikes and tanks firing in densely packed districts. Most of its five million people have been sheltering at home in baking heat without electricity, food or water. Communications are heavily disrupted.

Both UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called separately for a ceasefire of “at least” three days to mark Eid. An emergency meeting of representatives from the African Union, Arab League, UN Security Council and other regional bodies called for the same thing.

However, only the RSF, a powerful force formed from members of the Janjaweed militia that led years of extreme violence in the western Darfur region, said it would commit to a 72-hour ceasefire starting at dawn.

The failure to halt the fighting on Friday follows two previously agreed and ignored ceasefires earlier in the week as the conflict has raged unabated.

For the first time since the fighting began, Gen Al Burhan appeared on television. While he did not address the proposed truce, he marked the start of Eid.

“For Eid this year, our country is bleeding: destruction, desolation and the sound of bullets have taken precedence over joy,” he said in a pre-recorded video, which showed him sitting behind a desk in military uniform. It was unclear when the footage was shot.

“We hope that we will come out of this ordeal more united … a single army, a single people … towards a civilian power,” he said.

Gen Al Burhan said the military remained committed to a transition to civilian rule, an issue over which the army and RSF have been trading accusations for months as the situation became increasingly acrimonious.

The International Crisis Group said urgent steps were needed to stop a descent into “full-blown civil war”, warning “the nightmare scenario that many feared in Sudan is unfolding”.

The World Food Programme warned the violence could plunge millions more into hunger in a country where 15 million people ― one-third of the population ― need aid.

It has suspended its Sudan operations after the killing of three WFP workers on Saturday.

Gen Al Burhan and Gen Dagalo's bitter dispute centred on the planned integration of the RSF into the regular army, a key condition for a final deal aimed at restoring Sudan's democratic transition.

Civilians are becoming increasingly desperate, with thousands risking the dangerous streets to flee Khartoum, and many reporting streets strewn with corpses.

International efforts are being planned for the possible evacuation of citizens, with the US potentially deploying forces to airlift US embassy staff.

Medics have warned of a catastrophe, with two-thirds of hospitals in Khartoum and neighbouring states rendered “out of service” by the fighting, the doctors' union said.

Four hospitals in Obeid in North Kordofan state had also been “shelled”.

The World Health Organisation said it had reports of almost 330 people killed and 3,200 wounded across Sudan, but medics fear the death toll is likely to be far higher, with many wounded unable to reach hospitals.

Gen Al Burhan and Gen Dagalo toppled autocratic president Omar Al Bashir together in April 2019 following massive protests against his three decades of iron-fisted rule.

In October 2021, they again worked together in a coup to oust the civilian government installed after Al Bashir's downfall, derailing an internationally backed transition to democracy.

“With neither Al Burhan nor Hemedti (Gen Dagalo) appearing ready to back down, the situation could get much worse,” the International Crisis Group think tank said. It added that while some analysts thought the army would succeed in on its “home turf” in Khartoum, the risk of an all-out conflict remained.

“Even if the army eventually does secure the capital, and Hemedti retreats to Darfur, a civil war could well follow, with potentially destabilising impact in neighbouring Chad, the Central African Republic, Libya and South Sudan”, Crisis Group added.

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League quarter-final second leg:

Juventus 1 Ajax 2

Ajax advance 3-2 on aggregate

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg

Tottenham 0-1 Ajax, Tuesday

Second leg

Ajax v Tottenham, Wednesday, May 8, 11pm

Game is on BeIN Sports

The specs

Price: From Dh180,000 (estimate)

Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged in-line four-cylinder

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 320hp @ 5,700rpm

Torque: 400Nm @ 2,200rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 9.7L / 100km

RACECARD

6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (PA) $50,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
6.35pm: Festival City Stakes – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
7.10pm: Dubai Racing Club Classic – Listed (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 2,410m
7.45pm: Jumeirah Classic Trial – Conditions (TB) $150,000 (T) 1,400m
8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (D) 1,600m
8.55pm: Cape Verdi – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,600m
9.30pm: Dubai Dash – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,000m

UAE - India ties

The UAE is India’s third-largest trade partner after the US and China

Annual bilateral trade between India and the UAE has crossed US$ 60 billion

The UAE is the fourth-largest exporter of crude oil for India

Indians comprise the largest community with 3.3 million residents in the UAE

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi first visited the UAE in August 2015

His visit on August 23-24 will be the third in four years

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visited India in February 2016

Sheikh Mohamed was the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in January 2017

Modi will visit Bahrain on August 24-25

The biog

Age: 30

Position: Senior lab superintendent at Emirates Global Aluminium

Education: Bachelor of science in chemical engineering, post graduate degree in light metal reduction technology

Favourite part of job: The challenge, because it is challenging

Favourite quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” Gandi

SHOW COURTS ORDER OF PLAY

Wimbledon order of play on Saturday, July 8
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)

Centre Court (4pm)
Agnieszka Radwanska (9) v Timea Bacsinszky (19)
Ernests Gulbis v Novak Djokovic (2)
Mischa Zverev (27) v Roger Federer (3)

Court 1 (4pm)
Milos Raonic (6) v Albert Ramos-Vinolas (25)
Anett Kontaveit v Caroline Wozniacki (5)
Dominic Thiem (8) v Jared Donaldson

Court 2 (2.30pm)
Sorana Cirstea v Garbine Muguruza (14)
To finish: Sam Querrey (24) leads Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (12) 6-2, 3-6, 7-6, 1-6, 6-5
Angelique Kerber (1) v Shelby Rogers
Sebastian Ofner v Alexander Zverev (10)

Court 3 (2.30pm)
Grigor Dimitrov (13) v Dudi Sela
Alison Riske v Coco Vandeweghe (24)
David Ferrer v Tomas Berdych (11)

Court 12 (2.30pm)
Polona Hercog v Svetlana Kuznetsova (7)
Gael Monfils (15) v Adrian Mannarino

Court 18 (2.30pm)
Magdalena Rybarikova v Lesia Tsurenko
Petra Martic v Zarina Diyas

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

UAE v Ireland

1st ODI, UAE win by 6 wickets

2nd ODI, January 12

3rd ODI, January 14

4th ODI, January 16

The Bio

Favourite holiday destination: Either Kazakhstan or Montenegro. I’ve been involved in events in both countries and they are just stunning.

Favourite book: I am a huge of Robin Cook’s medical thrillers, which I suppose is quite apt right now. My mother introduced me to them back home in New Zealand.

Favourite film or television programme: Forrest Gump is my favourite film, that’s never been up for debate. I love watching repeats of Mash as well.

Inspiration: My late father moulded me into the man I am today. I would also say disappointment and sadness are great motivators. There are times when events have brought me to my knees but it has also made me determined not to let them get the better of me.

MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

Vikram%20Vedha
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirectors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Gayatri%2C%20Pushkar%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hrithik%20Roshan%2C%20Saif%20Ali%20Khan%2C%20Radhika%20Apte%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
Sour%20Grapes
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAuthor%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EZakaria%20Tamer%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESyracuse%20University%20Press%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E176%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%20turbocharged%204-cyl%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E8-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E300bhp%20(GT)%20330bhp%20(Modena)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E450Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh299%2C000%20(GT)%2C%20Dh369%2C000%20(Modena)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

While you're here
'Midnights'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EArtist%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Taylor%20Swift%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ELabel%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Republic%20Records%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
While you're here
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hoopla%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDate%20started%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Jacqueline%20Perrottet%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2010%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPre-seed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20required%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24500%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Ipaf in numbers

Established: 2008

Prize money:  $50,000 (Dh183,650) for winners and $10,000 for those on the shortlist.

Winning novels: 13

Shortlisted novels: 66

Longlisted novels: 111

Total number of novels submitted: 1,780

Novels translated internationally: 66

Tips for used car buyers
  • Choose cars with GCC specifications
  • Get a service history for cars less than five years old
  • Don’t go cheap on the inspection
  • Check for oil leaks
  • Do a Google search on the standard problems for your car model
  • Do your due diligence. Get a transfer of ownership done at an official RTA centre
  • Check the vehicle’s condition. You don’t want to buy a car that’s a good deal but ends up costing you Dh10,000 in repairs every month
  • Validate warranty and service contracts with the relevant agency and and make sure they are valid when ownership is transferred
  • If you are planning to sell the car soon, buy one with a good resale value. The two most popular cars in the UAE are black or white in colour and other colours are harder to sell

Tarek Kabrit, chief executive of Seez, and Imad Hammad, chief executive and co-founder of CarSwitch.com

The alternatives

• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.

• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.

• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.

• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.

• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases -  but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.

Updated: April 21, 2023, 8:30 AM
Sudan