India has launched operation Kaveri under which around 500 Indians have been evacuated from Sudan so far. India aims to evacuate 3,000 nationals by the end of the 72-hour truce but it looks like the U.S. brokered 72-hour truce has failed.

Operation Kaveri: India evacuates 500 nationals from Sudan

Omar al-Bashir, the ousted president of Sudan, was moved from the Kober prison to a military hospital in Khartoum before fighting broke out between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on April 15, the news agency Reuters reported on Wednesday (April 26) citing the army. According to a statement, Bashir and 30 others were moved to the military hospital on the recommendation of medical staff in Kober prison before the conflict started.&nbsp;

Videos circulating online appeared to show a long line of prisoners leaving the facility with bags of belongings slung over their shoulders. The whereabouts of Bashir came into question after Ali Haroun, a minister in his government, said on Tuesday that he left the prison with other ex-officials.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-evacuates-citizens-and-foreign-nationals-from-sudan-amid-complex-security-situation-586245">France evacuates citizens and foreign nationals from Sudan amid complex security situation</a>

Omar al-Bashir, who ruled Sudan for three decades, is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity allegedly committed between 2003 and 2008 in Darfur- a region that fought his government for years.&nbsp;

Al-Bashir was overthrown during a popular uprising in 2019. However, the SAF and the RSF, who together removed him from power, are now battling one another.&nbsp;

The warring factions agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire starting Tuesday. However, on Wednesday, the ceasefire remained fragile after there were reports of fresh air strikes and paramilitaries claimed to have seized a major oil refinery and power plant.

Darfur inhabitants fear that the ongoing conflict could reawaken war in the region. Reuters reported on Wednesday that as the unrest began in Khartoum, the violence quickly spread to Darfur. Residents reported pillaging, ethnic reprisal attacks, and clashes between the SAF and the RSF in various population centres around Darfur.&nbsp;

Will Carter, the head of the Norwegian Refugee Council in Sudan, said, "Whichever way the current battle for Khartoum goes, we expect a bloodier conflict now in the Darfur region - more armed groups, more weapons, deeper enmities."

As per figures from UN agencies, at least 459 people have been killed and more than 4,000 wounded in the ongoing conflict. Several countries including the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/operation-sumedha-unfolds-first-batch-of-indians-evacuated-from-sudan-reach-jeddah-586151">India </a>and China have scrambled to evacuate embassy staff and citizens from Sudan.&nbsp;

A tally by the news agency AFP showed that more than 6,400 people have left Khartoum in the foreign-led evacuations.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Omar al-Bashir, the ousted president of Sudan, was moved from the Kober prison to a military hospital in Khartoum before fighting broke out between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on April 15, the news agency Reuters reported on Wednesday (April 26) citing the army.

Omar al-Bashir, the ousted president of Sudan, was moved from the Kober prison to a military hospital in Khartoum before fighting broke out between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on April 15, the news agency Reuters reported on Wednesday (April 26) citing the army. According to a statement, Bashir and 30 others were moved to the military hospital on the recommendation of medical staff in Kober prison before the conflict started. Videos circulating online appeared to show a long line of prisoners leaving the facility with bags of belongings slung over their shoulders. The whereabouts of Bashir came into question after Ali Haroun, a minister in his government, said on Tuesday that he left the prison with other ex-officials. ALSO READ | France evacuates citizens and foreign nationals from Sudan amid complex security situation Omar al-Bashir, who ruled Sudan for three decades, is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity allegedly committed between 2003 and 2008 in Darfur- a region that fought his government for years. Al-Bashir was overthrown during a popular uprising in 2019. However, the SAF and the RSF, who together removed him from power, are now battling one another. The warring factions agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire starting Tuesday. However, on Wednesday, the ceasefire remained fragile after there were reports of fresh air strikes and paramilitaries claimed to have seized a major oil refinery and power plant. Darfur inhabitants fear that the ongoing conflict could reawaken war in the region. Reuters reported on Wednesday that as the unrest began in Khartoum, the violence quickly spread to Darfur. Residents reported pillaging, ethnic reprisal attacks, and clashes between the SAF and the RSF in various population centres around Darfur. Will Carter, the head of the Norwegian Refugee Council in Sudan, said, "Whichever way the current battle for Khartoum goes, we expect a bloodier conflict now in the Darfur region - more armed groups, more weapons, deeper enmities." As per figures from UN agencies, at least 459 people have been killed and more than 4,000 wounded in the ongoing conflict. Several countries including the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), India and China have scrambled to evacuate embassy staff and citizens from Sudan. A tally by the news agency AFP showed that more than 6,400 people have left Khartoum in the foreign-led evacuations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sudan's ousted president Omar al-Bashir moved to military hospital before conflict began

India has evacuated 278 citizens from conflict-torn Sudan. The first batch of stranded Indians departed Port Sudan for Jeddah onboard INS Sumedha, as per a tweet by the nation's Ministry&nbsp;of&nbsp;External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi.

In Sudan, recent days have seen the eruption of a power struggle between rival factions,&nbsp;the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by General&nbsp;Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, led by General&nbsp;Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The fighting which began on&nbsp;April 15 and has killed at least 427 people, knocked out hospitals and other services, and has turned residential areas of the African nation into war zones.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-of-high-risk-of-biological-hazard-after-sudan-fighters-occupy-lab-585979">WHO warns of 'high risk of biological hazard' after Sudan fighters occupy lab</a>

The evacuations happened as fighting abated overnight after the army and a rival paramilitary force agreed to a 72-hour truce. However, as per Reuters, a witness said gunfire could be heard on Tuesday even as Arab, Asian and Western nations were racing to extract their citizens from the country.

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First batch of stranded Indians leave Sudan under <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationKaveri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationKaveri</a>. 
 
INS Sumedha with 278 people onboard departs Port Sudan for Jeddah. <a href="https://t.co/4hPrPPsi1I">pic.twitter.com/4hPrPPsi1I</a>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1650793277812260865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Operation Kaveri was launched by the government of India on Monday. Under it, India aims to evacuate close to 3,000 Indian citizens stranded in Sudan.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while announcing the operation at a public event in Kerala, said that he has instructed junior external affairs minister V Muraleedharan to travel to the region to supervise Operation Kaveri.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-conflict-egypt-says-embassy-staff-killed-in-khartoum-585881">Sudan conflict: Egypt says embassy staff killed; rivals agree to 72-hour ceasfire</a>

While addressing the Yuvam Conclave in Kochi, he said, "Due to the civil war in Sudan, many of our people are stuck there. Therefore, we have started Operation Kaveri to bring them safely. It is being overseen by the son of Kerala and the Minister of our government, Muraleedharan."

Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan announced that he will be leaving for Jeddah to oversee rescue efforts in Sudan.

Muraleedharan tweeted, "Express my profound gratitude to Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji for making me part of the #OperationKaveri to bring back stranded Indians safely from Sudan. As guided by Hon'ble PM, I will be leaving for Jeddah shortly to oversee our rescue efforts."

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Express my profound gratitude to Hon'ble PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Ji for making me part of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationKaveri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationKaveri</a> to bring back stranded Indians safely from Sudan. 
 
As guided by Hon'ble PM, I will be leaving for Jeddah shortly to oversee our rescue efforts. <a href="https://t.co/aiNpJORkyl">pic.twitter.com/aiNpJORkyl</a>
— V Muraleedharan / വി മുരളീധരൻ (@VMBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VMBJP/status/1650516815909466117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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As per an ANI report, the operation's name was chosen along the same lines as 'Operation Ganga,' under which the country evacuated stranded Indian citizens from Ukraine as Russia launched a "special military operation" against Kyiv.

The news agency quoted an anonymous top source as saying that the operation was named so as "Rivers reach their destination irrespective of barriers. It's like a mother who will ensure she will bring her children back to safety."

(With inputs from agencies)

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India has evacuated 278 citizens from conflict-torn Sudan. The first batch of stranded Indians departed Port Sudan for Jeddah onboard INS Sumedha, as per a tweet by the nation's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi.

India has evacuated 278 citizens from conflict-torn Sudan. The first batch of stranded Indians departed Port Sudan for Jeddah onboard INS Sumedha, as per a tweet by the nation's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi. In Sudan, recent days have seen the eruption of a power struggle between rival factions, the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The fighting which began on April 15 and has killed at least 427 people, knocked out hospitals and other services, and has turned residential areas of the African nation into war zones. Also read | WHO warns of 'high risk of biological hazard' after Sudan fighters occupy lab The evacuations happened as fighting abated overnight after the army and a rival paramilitary force agreed to a 72-hour truce. However, as per Reuters, a witness said gunfire could be heard on Tuesday even as Arab, Asian and Western nations were racing to extract their citizens from the country. First batch of stranded Indians leave Sudan under #OperationKaveri. INS Sumedha with 278 people onboard departs Port Sudan for Jeddah. pic.twitter.com/4hPrPPsi1I — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) April 25, 2023 × Operation Kaveri was launched by the government of India on Monday. Under it, India aims to evacuate close to 3,000 Indian citizens stranded in Sudan. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while announcing the operation at a public event in Kerala, said that he has instructed junior external affairs minister V Muraleedharan to travel to the region to supervise Operation Kaveri. Also read | Sudan conflict: Egypt says embassy staff killed; rivals agree to 72-hour ceasfire While addressing the Yuvam Conclave in Kochi, he said, "Due to the civil war in Sudan, many of our people are stuck there. Therefore, we have started Operation Kaveri to bring them safely. It is being overseen by the son of Kerala and the Minister of our government, Muraleedharan." Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan announced that he will be leaving for Jeddah to oversee rescue efforts in Sudan. Muraleedharan tweeted, "Express my profound gratitude to Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji for making me part of the #OperationKaveri to bring back stranded Indians safely from Sudan. As guided by Hon'ble PM, I will be leaving for Jeddah shortly to oversee our rescue efforts." Express my profound gratitude to Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji for making me part of the #OperationKaveri to bring back stranded Indians safely from Sudan. As guided by Hon'ble PM, I will be leaving for Jeddah shortly to oversee our rescue efforts. pic.twitter.com/aiNpJORkyl — V Muraleedharan / വി മുരളീധരൻ (@VMBJP) April 24, 2023 × As per an ANI report, the operation's name was chosen along the same lines as 'Operation Ganga,' under which the country evacuated stranded Indian citizens from Ukraine as Russia launched a "special military operation" against Kyiv. The news agency quoted an anonymous top source as saying that the operation was named so as "Rivers reach their destination irrespective of barriers. It's like a mother who will ensure she will bring her children back to safety." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Operation Kaveri | India evacuates 278 civilians from Sudan

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - The UN secretary-general welcomed the safe temporary relocation of hundreds of UN staff and their dependents from Khartoum and other locations in Sudan.

Sudan Conflict: UN relocates all staff and dependents from Khartoum | WION Speed News

The two warring sides in Sudan, the country's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire from Tuesday, 10:00 PM GMT (Wednesday, 3:30 AM, IST), according to the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Blinken said an agreement was reached between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after 48 hours of negotiations.

An impending observance of ceasefire by the two sides is expected to leave a window for the evacuation of foreign nationals stuck in the conflict-zone. But in the initial hours,&nbsp;a wider sense of skepticism has been expressed over the latest ceasefire announcement&nbsp;since two of the&nbsp;previously announced ceasefires were not respected by either side.

At least 400 people have been killed since fighting erupted on April 15.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-whats-happening-in-sudan-what-caused-the-clashes-583043">Explained: What's happening in Sudan? What caused the army-paramilitary clashes?</a>

UN Secretary General António Guterres has warned the clashes in Sudan may cause a "catastrophic conflagration" of violence that may amplify deep into Africa in the immediate future.

The RSF said they affirmed their "commitment to a complete ceasefire during the truce period". The army did not immediately comment on the development.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Sudan Conflict: Diplomats and foreign nationals evacuated

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The locals and the foreigners living in the capital Khartoum have been told to stay indoors. The food and water supplies continue to run low as the continuous explosions from the conflict have hit key infrastructure such as water pipes.

A host of countries are struggling&nbsp;to evacuate their diplomats and civilians as fighting continues&nbsp;in the&nbsp;densely populated parts of the capital Khartoum.

Earlier on Monday, Blinken said that some convoys trying to move people out were faced with "robbery and looting".

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Exclusive: Sudan Ambassador to India speaks to WION about the current situation in his country

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The US, Blinken added, was looking at potentially resuming its diplomatic presence in Sudan. However, the conditions in the country are&nbsp;"very challenging".

Sudan is suffering an "internet blackout" with connectivity at 2 per cent&nbsp;of ordinary levels, monitoring group NetBlocks was quoted as saying by the BBC.

In Khartoum, the internet has been down since Sunday night.

So far, thousands of people, including the Sudanese citizens have fled the country since the onset of the conflict.

<h2>Sudan conflict</h2>

The Sudanese army and the RSF were jointly running the country since October 2021 after deposing President Omar al-Bashir.

They banded together a Sovereign Council, led by Army Chief General Abdel al-Burhan and co-led by RSF Chief General Mohamed Hamdan.&nbsp;

The Sudanese army proposed RSF's integration into itself within a timeline of two years, a move RSF wanted to delay for 10 years.

The army also supports the transfer of power to a civilian government, another point of contention between the two erstwhile Sovereign Council members.

The RSF chief Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo claims to have seized most of the official sites in the capital Khartoum. So far, the RSF appears to be calling the diplomatic shots as one seen to be purportedly in control of Africa's third largest nation.

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The two warring sides in Sudan, the country's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire from Tuesday, 10:00 PM GMT (Wednesday, 3:30 AM, IST), according to the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The two warring sides in Sudan, the country's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire from Tuesday, 10:00 PM GMT (Wednesday, 3:30 AM, IST), according to the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Blinken said an agreement was reached between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after 48 hours of negotiations. An impending observance of ceasefire by the two sides is expected to leave a window for the evacuation of foreign nationals stuck in the conflict-zone. But in the initial hours, a wider sense of skepticism has been expressed over the latest ceasefire announcement since two of the previously announced ceasefires were not respected by either side. At least 400 people have been killed since fighting erupted on April 15. ALSO READ | Explained: What's happening in Sudan? What caused the army-paramilitary clashes? UN Secretary General António Guterres has warned the clashes in Sudan may cause a "catastrophic conflagration" of violence that may amplify deep into Africa in the immediate future. The RSF said they affirmed their "commitment to a complete ceasefire during the truce period". The army did not immediately comment on the development. ALSO WATCH | Sudan Conflict: Diplomats and foreign nationals evacuated × The locals and the foreigners living in the capital Khartoum have been told to stay indoors. The food and water supplies continue to run low as the continuous explosions from the conflict have hit key infrastructure such as water pipes. A host of countries are struggling to evacuate their diplomats and civilians as fighting continues in the densely populated parts of the capital Khartoum. Earlier on Monday, Blinken said that some convoys trying to move people out were faced with "robbery and looting". ALSO WATCH | Exclusive: Sudan Ambassador to India speaks to WION about the current situation in his country × The US, Blinken added, was looking at potentially resuming its diplomatic presence in Sudan. However, the conditions in the country are "very challenging". Sudan is suffering an "internet blackout" with connectivity at 2 per cent of ordinary levels, monitoring group NetBlocks was quoted as saying by the BBC. In Khartoum, the internet has been down since Sunday night. So far, thousands of people, including the Sudanese citizens have fled the country since the onset of the conflict. Sudan conflict The Sudanese army and the RSF were jointly running the country since October 2021 after deposing President Omar al-Bashir. They banded together a Sovereign Council, led by Army Chief General Abdel al-Burhan and co-led by RSF Chief General Mohamed Hamdan. The Sudanese army proposed RSF's integration into itself within a timeline of two years, a move RSF wanted to delay for 10 years. The army also supports the transfer of power to a civilian government, another point of contention between the two erstwhile Sovereign Council members. The RSF chief Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo claims to have seized most of the official sites in the capital Khartoum. So far, the RSF appears to be calling the diplomatic shots as one seen to be purportedly in control of Africa's third largest nation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sudan's warring factions agree to 72-hour ceasefire

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Sudan's warring generals had agreed to a three-day ceasefire starting Tuesday, after previous bids to pause the conflict quickly disintegrated.

US State Secretary Antony Blinken says Sudan rivals agree to 72-hour ceasefire

The World Health Organization on Tuesday warned of a "huge biological risk" after fighters in conflict-ravaged Sudan occupied a central public laboratory.

As per an AFP report, the laboratory was holding samples of diseases including polio and measles, and it being seized created an "extremely, extremely dangerous" situation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-kaveri-india-evacuates-278-civilians-from-sudan-585962">Operation Kaveri | India evacuates 278 civilians from Sudan</a>

Talking to reporters in Geneva via video link, Nima Saeed Abid, the WHO's representative in Sudan, said "There is a huge biological risk associated with the occupation of the central public health lab... by one of the fighting parties."

As per Abid, fighters "kicked out all the technicians from the lab... which is completely under the control of one of the fighting parties as a military base." However, he did not mention which side has seized the bio lab.

Abid reportedly received a call from the head of the national laboratory in Khartoum on Monday, a day before the US-brokered 72-hour ceasefire between Sudan's warring generals officially came into effect.

Pointing out that the lab held so-called isolates, or samples, of a range of deadly diseases, including measles, polio and cholera, he said: "There is a huge biological risk associated with the occupation of the central public health lab."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-eu-diplomat-says-ambassador-to-sudan-still-in-conflict-torn-country-585977">Top EU diplomat says ambassador to Sudan still in conflict-torn country</a>

The lab director also warned Abid that "depleting stocks of blood bags risk spoiling due to lack of power."

"In addition to chemical hazards, bio-risk hazards are also very high due to lack of functioning generators," said the WHO Sudan representative.

Since it began 10 days ago, as per the UN health agency, there have been confirmed 14 attacks on healthcare, in which eight people have been killed and two were injured.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The World Health Organization on Tuesday warned of a "huge biological risk" after fighters in conflict-ravaged Sudan occupied a central public laboratory. As per an AFP report, the laboratory was holding samples of diseases including polio and measles, and it being seized created an "extremely, extremely dangerous" situation.

The World Health Organization on Tuesday warned of a "huge biological risk" after fighters in conflict-ravaged Sudan occupied a central public laboratory. As per an AFP report, the laboratory was holding samples of diseases including polio and measles, and it being seized created an "extremely, extremely dangerous" situation. Also read | Operation Kaveri | India evacuates 278 civilians from Sudan Talking to reporters in Geneva via video link, Nima Saeed Abid, the WHO's representative in Sudan, said "There is a huge biological risk associated with the occupation of the central public health lab... by one of the fighting parties." As per Abid, fighters "kicked out all the technicians from the lab... which is completely under the control of one of the fighting parties as a military base." However, he did not mention which side has seized the bio lab. Abid reportedly received a call from the head of the national laboratory in Khartoum on Monday, a day before the US-brokered 72-hour ceasefire between Sudan's warring generals officially came into effect. Pointing out that the lab held so-called isolates, or samples, of a range of deadly diseases, including measles, polio and cholera, he said: "There is a huge biological risk associated with the occupation of the central public health lab." Also read | Top EU diplomat says ambassador to Sudan still in conflict-torn country The lab director also warned Abid that "depleting stocks of blood bags risk spoiling due to lack of power." "In addition to chemical hazards, bio-risk hazards are also very high due to lack of functioning generators," said the WHO Sudan representative. Since it began 10 days ago, as per the UN health agency, there have been confirmed 14 attacks on healthcare, in which eight people have been killed and two were injured. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WHO warns of 'high risk of biological hazard' after Sudan fighters occupy lab

European Union's (EU) top diplomat Josep Borrell said on Monday (April 24) that the EU would keep working for a political settlement <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-conflict-egypt-says-embassy-staff-killed-in-khartoum-585881">to the conflict in Sudan</a> despite the recent evacuation of diplomatic staff and other EU citizens from the country. "We have to continue pushing for a political settlement. We cannot afford that Sudan implodes because it would send shockwaves throughout the whole of Africa," Borrell said ahead of a meeting with EU foreign ministers, the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

"It has been a complex operation and it has been a successful operation. First, the staff of the European Union, 21 people, are already in Europe and many more European Union citizens and others are already out of Sudan. I cannot give you a concrete figure, more than 1,000 people for sure. I want to thank France, especially for taking our people out and I want to thank the combined efforts of many countries that took their national(s), but also all nationals that they could pick. So it has been a successful operation, but complex," Borrell added.&nbsp;

Borrell also pointed out that the EU's ambassador to Sudan Aidan O'Hara was still in the country. "The captain is the last one leaving the ship. He is in Sudan but no longer in Khartoum," the top diplomat added.&nbsp;

On April 17, Josep Borrell had said that O'Hara, an Irish diplomat, was attacked in his home in Khartoum.&nbsp;

"A few hours ago, the EU Ambassador in Sudan was assaulted in his own residency," Borrell tweeted and added that the security of diplomatic premises and the staff was a primary responsibility of Sudanese authorities and an obligation under international law.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-kaveri-india-evacuates-278-civilians-from-sudan-585962">Operation Kaveri: India evacuates 278 civilians from Sudan</a>

Speaking to the news agency AFP, EU spokesperson Nabila Massrali said that O'Hara was ok following the assault.&nbsp;

Ireland's deputy premier Micheal Martin also said that O'Hara was "not seriously hurt" but that the assault was "a gross violation of obligations to protect diplomats under the Vienna Convention".&nbsp;

The fighting in Sudan between the army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which started on April 15, is currently under a 72-hour ceasefire. The United States and Saudi Arabia mediated the truce.&nbsp;

The warring factions- &nbsp;Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF agreed to the ceasefire.&nbsp;

More than 400 people have died in the conflict so far and thousands fleeing Sudan. Foreign governments are working to bring their nationals to safety.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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European Union's (EU) top diplomat Josep Borrell said on Monday (April 24) that the EU would keep working for a political settlement to the conflict in Sudan despite the recent evacuation of diplomatic staff and other EU citizens from the country.

European Union's (EU) top diplomat Josep Borrell said on Monday (April 24) that the EU would keep working for a political settlement to the conflict in Sudan despite the recent evacuation of diplomatic staff and other EU citizens from the country. "We have to continue pushing for a political settlement. We cannot afford that Sudan implodes because it would send shockwaves throughout the whole of Africa," Borrell said ahead of a meeting with EU foreign ministers, the news agency Reuters reported. "It has been a complex operation and it has been a successful operation. First, the staff of the European Union, 21 people, are already in Europe and many more European Union citizens and others are already out of Sudan. I cannot give you a concrete figure, more than 1,000 people for sure. I want to thank France, especially for taking our people out and I want to thank the combined efforts of many countries that took their national(s), but also all nationals that they could pick. So it has been a successful operation, but complex," Borrell added. Borrell also pointed out that the EU's ambassador to Sudan Aidan O'Hara was still in the country. "The captain is the last one leaving the ship. He is in Sudan but no longer in Khartoum," the top diplomat added. On April 17, Josep Borrell had said that O'Hara, an Irish diplomat, was attacked in his home in Khartoum. "A few hours ago, the EU Ambassador in Sudan was assaulted in his own residency," Borrell tweeted and added that the security of diplomatic premises and the staff was a primary responsibility of Sudanese authorities and an obligation under international law. ALSO READ | Operation Kaveri: India evacuates 278 civilians from Sudan Speaking to the news agency AFP, EU spokesperson Nabila Massrali said that O'Hara was ok following the assault. Ireland's deputy premier Micheal Martin also said that O'Hara was "not seriously hurt" but that the assault was "a gross violation of obligations to protect diplomats under the Vienna Convention". The fighting in Sudan between the army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which started on April 15, is currently under a 72-hour ceasefire. The United States and Saudi Arabia mediated the truce. The warring factions- Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF agreed to the ceasefire. More than 400 people have died in the conflict so far and thousands fleeing Sudan. Foreign governments are working to bring their nationals to safety. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Top EU diplomat says ambassador to Sudan still in conflict-torn country

Egypt's foreign ministry said on Monday (April 24) that the administrative attache at its embassy in Sudan was killed amid fighting between rival military factions in Khartoum. In a statement, the foreign ministry said Muhammad El Gharrawi was killed as he was driving to the embassy to follow up on the procedures of the evacuations of the Egyptians stranded in Sudan. Taking to Twitter, foreign ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid condoled El Gharrawi's death.&nbsp;

"The deceased (Muhammad El Gharrawi) was martyred on his way to the embassy headquarters to follow up on the tasks of evacuating the Egyptian citizens. May God have mercy on our dear deceased," Zeid tweeted early Tuesday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-warring-factions-agree-to-a-72-hour-ceasefire-starting-tuesday-585826">Sudan's warring factions agree to a 72-hour ceasefire starting Tuesday</a>

According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the Sudanese army had earlier stated Egypt's assistant military attache was killed. The army then corrected its statement, saying the administrative attache was killed by fire from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

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تنعى وزارة الخارجية ببالغ الحزن والأسى فقيد الواجب، الاستاذ محمد الغراوى، مساعد الملحق الإداري بسفارة مصر فى الخرطوم. استشهد الفقيد وهو فى طريقه إلى مقر السفارة لمتابعة مهام إجلاء المواطنين المصريين.رحم الله فقيدنا الغالى واسكنه فسيح جناته..وتحيا مصر دوماً بتضحيات أبنائها الأبرار <a href="https://t.co/n9afelIssV">pic.twitter.com/n9afelIssV</a>
— Egypt MFA Spokesperson (@MfaEgypt) <a href="https://twitter.com/MfaEgypt/status/1650593293837672453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Two days ago, the Egyptian foreign ministry instructed citizens in Sudan to evacuate the conflict-torn country. A report by Egyptian Streets on Sunday said the ministry instructed citizens outside Sudan's capital Khartoum to head to the nearest specified meeting point in preparation for their evacuation.&nbsp;

For Egyptians in Khartoum, the ministry advised them to stay indoors until the security situation improved to allow for the procedure in line with the general evacuation plan.

Several countries including Italy, Japan, and Greece started evacuating their citizens amid the eruption of violence in Sudan on April 15. On Tuesday, Britain started a large-scale evacuation&nbsp;of its citizens from the North African country.&nbsp;

"The government has begun a large-scale evacuation of British passport holders from&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;on RAF flights," Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted.&nbsp;

According to agencies of the United Nations, over 400 people have been killed and more than 3,700 wounded so far. And more than 4,000 people have fled Sudan in foreign-organised evacuations.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-foreign-countries-are-evacuating-their-citizens-from-conflict-hit-sudan-585507">Explained: How foreign countries are evacuating their citizens from conflict-hit Sudan</a>

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire starting Tuesday. The SAF said that the United States and Saudi Arabia mediated the truce.

The RSF confirmed that it agreed to the ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian efforts. "We affirm our commitment to a complete ceasefire during the truce period", the RSF said.&nbsp;

"This ceasefire aims to establish humanitarian corridors, allowing citizens and residents to access essential resources, healthcare, and safe zones, while also evacuating diplomatic missions," it tweeted. &nbsp;

The SAF, meanwhile, said on Facebook that it would abide by the ceasefire on condition its rivals did so.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Egypt's foreign ministry said on Monday (April 24) that the administrative attache at its embassy in Sudan was killed amid fighting between rival military factions in Khartoum.

Egypt's foreign ministry said on Monday (April 24) that the administrative attache at its embassy in Sudan was killed amid fighting between rival military factions in Khartoum. In a statement, the foreign ministry said Muhammad El Gharrawi was killed as he was driving to the embassy to follow up on the procedures of the evacuations of the Egyptians stranded in Sudan. Taking to Twitter, foreign ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid condoled El Gharrawi's death. "The deceased (Muhammad El Gharrawi) was martyred on his way to the embassy headquarters to follow up on the tasks of evacuating the Egyptian citizens. May God have mercy on our dear deceased," Zeid tweeted early Tuesday. ALSO READ | Sudan's warring factions agree to a 72-hour ceasefire starting Tuesday According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the Sudanese army had earlier stated Egypt's assistant military attache was killed. The army then corrected its statement, saying the administrative attache was killed by fire from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). تنعى وزارة الخارجية ببالغ الحزن والأسى فقيد الواجب، الاستاذ محمد الغراوى، مساعد الملحق الإداري بسفارة مصر فى الخرطوم. استشهد الفقيد وهو فى طريقه إلى مقر السفارة لمتابعة مهام إجلاء المواطنين المصريين.رحم الله فقيدنا الغالى واسكنه فسيح جناته..وتحيا مصر دوماً بتضحيات أبنائها الأبرار pic.twitter.com/n9afelIssV — Egypt MFA Spokesperson (@MfaEgypt) April 24, 2023 × Two days ago, the Egyptian foreign ministry instructed citizens in Sudan to evacuate the conflict-torn country. A report by Egyptian Streets on Sunday said the ministry instructed citizens outside Sudan's capital Khartoum to head to the nearest specified meeting point in preparation for their evacuation. For Egyptians in Khartoum, the ministry advised them to stay indoors until the security situation improved to allow for the procedure in line with the general evacuation plan. Several countries including Italy, Japan, and Greece started evacuating their citizens amid the eruption of violence in Sudan on April 15. On Tuesday, Britain started a large-scale evacuation of its citizens from the North African country. "The government has begun a large-scale evacuation of British passport holders from Sudan on RAF flights," Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted. According to agencies of the United Nations, over 400 people have been killed and more than 3,700 wounded so far. And more than 4,000 people have fled Sudan in foreign-organised evacuations. ALSO READ | Explained: How foreign countries are evacuating their citizens from conflict-hit Sudan The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire starting Tuesday. The SAF said that the United States and Saudi Arabia mediated the truce. The RSF confirmed that it agreed to the ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian efforts. "We affirm our commitment to a complete ceasefire during the truce period", the RSF said. "This ceasefire aims to establish humanitarian corridors, allowing citizens and residents to access essential resources, healthcare, and safe zones, while also evacuating diplomatic missions," it tweeted. The SAF, meanwhile, said on Facebook that it would abide by the ceasefire on condition its rivals did so. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sudan conflict: Egypt says embassy staff killed; rivals agree to 72-hour ceasfire

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - Several countries have evacuated diplomats and citizens from Sudan's capital as fierce fighting continues to rage in Khartoum.

Sudan conflict: Foreign nationals and diplomats of several nations evacuated | WION Speed News

Several countries have evacuated diplomats and citizens from Sudan's capital as fierce fighting continues to rage in Khartoum. The US and UK announced on Sunday they had flown diplomats out of the country. India has put two Indian Air Force aircrafts on standby in Jeddah to evacuate stranded Indians from violence-hit area.

Sudan Conflict: Foreign nations scramble to evacuate citizens as battles rage

As the fighting between the rival generals continues in Sudan various countries have started evacuating their diplomats and nationals from the country. France, Germany, Italy and Spain are among other countries who are also organising evacuations. There are some Indian nationals who are among 66 citizens of 12 nations who have been evacuated from Sudan.

Sudan Conflict: Diplomats and foreign nationals evacuated

The violent civil war between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary forces has led to the death of more than 400 while 3,500 have been injured, the World Health Organization (WHO) informed on Friday.

The violent civil war between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary forces has led to the death of more than 400 while 3,500 have been injured, the World Health Organization (WHO) informed on Friday. UNICEF added that at least nine children were among the dead and more than 50 had been wounded. "413 people have died and 3,551 people have been injured," WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris told reporters at a press briefing in Geneva. Earlier, the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) and World Food Programme (WFP) said that between 10,000 to 20,000 people had fled to the neighbouring country of Chad to seek refuge as the violence escalated. The data has been released as Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) agreed to a 72-hour “humanitarian truce” from 6:00 (local time), on Friday (April 21) coinciding with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr. “The truce coincides with the blessed Eid al-Fitr...to open humanitarian corridors to evacuate citizens and give them the opportunity to greet their families,” RSF wrote on its Twitter account. WATCH | US prepares troops for possible evacuation of embassy staff from Sudan × Army chief has not accepted ceasefire Meanwhile, Army Chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has not yet indicated that his forces will be agreeing to the ceasefire announced. Burhan posted a message on Friday about Eid but refrained from talking about any ceasefire. "We mourn all the victims of my country and pray for the recovery of those injured and pray to God that this occasion of Eid returns in safety and peace," said the army chief, in a pre-recorded statement posted on Facebook. ALSO READ | RSF fighters agree to 72-hour ceasefire for Eid; thousands flee from Sudan to Chad According to the Central Committee of Sudan Doctors, as soon as the Eid celebrations began overnight, the forces of two rival generals engaged in intense street fights in the capital city of Khartoum. The fighting broke out on Saturday last week and since then has escalated only. The two warring factions were allies once as they seized power together in 2021. However, the proposed integration of RSF into the army did not sit well with the former. This led to a power struggle and has since metamorphosed into a full-blown civil war. Khartoum has witnessed the fiercest battles with the fighting spreading across the country as well. World leaders have called for an immediate end to violence but the two parties are unwilling to drop the weapons. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Over 400 killed, 3,500 injured as Sudanese Army and paramilitary forces continue fighting: WHO

Thousands of residents fled from Sudan's capital, where witnesses reported bodies in the streets. The rapid support forces said they would fully commit to a complete ceasefire for 24 hours, as did the army. But gunfire continued in Khartoum from the appointed time and into Wednesday night. The Sudanese army said 177 Egyptian soldiers who had been captured by the rapid support forces were evacuated on 4 Egyptian military transport planes. Japan said its defence ministry had begun the necessary preparations to evacuate around 60 of its nationals, including embassy staff. Berlin reportedly aborted an evacuation attempt involving three military transport planes, which would have carried 150 citizens. The US Embassy in Khartoum said it started gathering citizens' personal details. The defence minister in Chad, which borders Sudan's Darfur region, said around 320 Sudanese soldiers had fled over the border in fear of the rapid support forces.

Sudan Conflict: Germany aborts evacuation attempt, U.S. embassy gathering citizens' data | Details

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - A new attempt at a ceasefire in fierce fighting between Sudanese troops and paramilitary forces in Khartoum failed on Wednesday.

A new ceasefire in Sudan fails: At least 270 killed, more than 2,600 injured | WION Speed News

Sudan's rival generals on Wednesday made a new attempt at a 24-hour humanitarian ceasefire after a failed truce the night before. But it failed again, leaving people fearful about dwindling food supplies and a breakdown in medical services.

Sudan Conflict: New ceasefire attempt fails with vital supplies running short

Explosions and heavy gunfire shattered a 24-hour truce deal in Sudan shortly after it was due to take effect under US pressure on warring military factions to pause fighting that has touched off a humanitarian crisis.

The Sudan conflict has seen airstrikes, artillery and heavy gunfire

Months of political and economic turmoil in Sudan has severely damaged the health of the lions faced with shortages of food and medicine. Lions, victims of the political upheaval in Sudan, are starving.&nbsp;

Last week, WION did a special report to show how weak and wasted, malnourished the king of the jungle looks in Sudan.&nbsp;

After the special coverage by Wion and some online campaigns, there's new hope for the big cats at Al-Qurashi park zoo in Khartoum.

The online campaign with the hashtag #sudananimalrescue , was launched by Sudanese activist Osman Salih.&nbsp;

The images of the feeble cats created a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/social-media-in-uproar-after-emaciated-african-lion-images-go-viral-275561">stir on social media</a>. Following which a global welfare organisation - Four Paws, arrived to assess the condition of the lions. However, it was too late for one of the lions who recently died due to dehydration and lack of food. 
 
WATCH:&nbsp;

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The animals lost as much as two-thirds of their body weight after going unfed for weeks as Sudan's chronic cash shortage hit donations. People abroad who tried to donate via crowdfunding sites were thwarted by us sanctions on Sudan.

The Four Paws team said they will have to find a long-term solution to improve the condition of the lions and also train the zoo staff.&nbsp;

African lions are classified as a 'vulnerable' species by the international union for conservation of nature which explains why Four Paws intends to visit other zoos in Khartoum as well.

Some locals concerned about the fate of the lions have been flocking to help, bringing food and medical items.&nbsp;

It seems that&nbsp;with international animal activists steeping in, the big cats have found a lifeline. 
&nbsp;

Months of political and economic turmoil in Sudan has severely damaged the health of the lions faced with shortages of food and medicine. Lions, victims of the political upheaval in Sudan, are starving.

Months of political and economic turmoil in Sudan has severely damaged the health of the lions faced with shortages of food and medicine. Lions, victims of the political upheaval in Sudan, are starving. Last week, WION did a special report to show how weak and wasted, malnourished the king of the jungle looks in Sudan. After the special coverage by Wion and some online campaigns, there's new hope for the big cats at Al-Qurashi park zoo in Khartoum. The online campaign with the hashtag #sudananimalrescue , was launched by Sudanese activist Osman Salih. The images of the feeble cats created a stir on social media. Following which a global welfare organisation - Four Paws, arrived to assess the condition of the lions. However, it was too late for one of the lions who recently died due to dehydration and lack of food. WATCH: × The animals lost as much as two-thirds of their body weight after going unfed for weeks as Sudan's chronic cash shortage hit donations. People abroad who tried to donate via crowdfunding sites were thwarted by us sanctions on Sudan. The Four Paws team said they will have to find a long-term solution to improve the condition of the lions and also train the zoo staff. African lions are classified as a 'vulnerable' species by the international union for conservation of nature which explains why Four Paws intends to visit other zoos in Khartoum as well. Some locals concerned about the fate of the lions have been flocking to help, bringing food and medical items. It seems that with international animal activists steeping in, the big cats have found a lifeline.

How social media saved Sudan's starving lions

Sudan's ex-president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ousted-sudan-president-omar-al-bashir-to-be-sent-for-trial-soon-prosecutor-says-227709">Omar al-Bashir</a> was charged with corruption-related offences on Sunday, as he appeared in public for the first time since he was overthrown and detained in April.

Looking much the same as prior to his removal by the military, he was driven to the prosecutor's office in Khartoum.

He was charged with illicit possession of foreign currency and accepting gifts in an unofficial manner, prosecutor Alaa al-Din Abdallah told media, adding that Bashir would be given the chance to respond to the accusations.

His trial will be a test of how serious the country's transitional military council is about trying to erase the legacy of his autocratic 30-year rule, marked by widespread violence, economic collapse and the secession of South Sudan.

Bashir was charged last month with incitement and involvement in the killing of protesters, and prosecutors also want him questioned over suspected money laundering and terrorism financing.

Sudan's chief prosecutor said on Saturday that 41 former officials from Bashir's administration were being investigated for suspected graft.

Political paralysis

The military overthrew and detained Bashir on April 11 after 16 weeks of street protests against his rule.

But despite his ouster, Sudan remains paralysed by a political standoff between a transitional military council and a coalition of protesters and opposition parties demanding a civilian-led administration during a planned transition to democracy.

Talks on a power-sharing deal have collapsed, and tensions soared on June 3 when security forces stormed a protest camp in Khartoum being maintained as a way to press military rulers to hand over power.

Protesters put the number of dead from the incursion at 128, and the health ministry at 61.

Military investigators on Saturday said that government officers of various ranks were found to have been responsible for the dispersal of the camp without approval.

Addressing supporters at the presidential palace, the deputy head of the military council said on Sunday it was ready to accept nominees for top government positions proposed by the coalition.

"We are actually not in dispute and we are partners in this glorious revolution," General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo said. "They say a technocratic government and we are ready".

Sudan's ex-president Omar al-Bashir was charged with corruption-related offences on Sunday, as he appeared in public for the first time since he was overthrown and detained in April.

Sudan's ex-president Omar al-Bashir was charged with corruption-related offences on Sunday, as he appeared in public for the first time since he was overthrown and detained in April. Looking much the same as prior to his removal by the military, he was driven to the prosecutor's office in Khartoum. He was charged with illicit possession of foreign currency and accepting gifts in an unofficial manner, prosecutor Alaa al-Din Abdallah told media, adding that Bashir would be given the chance to respond to the accusations. His trial will be a test of how serious the country's transitional military council is about trying to erase the legacy of his autocratic 30-year rule, marked by widespread violence, economic collapse and the secession of South Sudan. Bashir was charged last month with incitement and involvement in the killing of protesters, and prosecutors also want him questioned over suspected money laundering and terrorism financing. Sudan's chief prosecutor said on Saturday that 41 former officials from Bashir's administration were being investigated for suspected graft. Political paralysis The military overthrew and detained Bashir on April 11 after 16 weeks of street protests against his rule. But despite his ouster, Sudan remains paralysed by a political standoff between a transitional military council and a coalition of protesters and opposition parties demanding a civilian-led administration during a planned transition to democracy. Talks on a power-sharing deal have collapsed, and tensions soared on June 3 when security forces stormed a protest camp in Khartoum being maintained as a way to press military rulers to hand over power. Protesters put the number of dead from the incursion at 128, and the health ministry at 61. Military investigators on Saturday said that government officers of various ranks were found to have been responsible for the dispersal of the camp without approval. Addressing supporters at the presidential palace, the deputy head of the military council said on Sunday it was ready to accept nominees for top government positions proposed by the coalition. "We are actually not in dispute and we are partners in this glorious revolution," General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo said. "They say a technocratic government and we are ready".

Sudan's Bashir charged with corruption, in first appearance since April

Ousted Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir will appear in court next week to face charges of corruption and possessing foreign currency, the country's acting prosecutor general told reporters on Saturday.

The announcement came more than two months after the military overthrew Bashir on April 11 following months of nationwide protests against his 30-year iron-fisted rule.

Bashir "will appear in court next week following charges of corruption and possessing foreign currency," Al-Waleed Sayyed Ahmed said, without specifying the day.

He added that the investigation launched against Bashir for the charges had been completed.

On Thursday, an unnamed Sudanese official was quoted by the official SUNA news agency as saying Bashir was facing charges including "possessing foreign funds, acquiring suspected and illegal wealth and ordering (the state of) emergency".

In April, Sudan's army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said that more than $113 million worth of cash in three currencies had been seized from Bashir's residence.

He said a team of police, army and security agents found seven million euros ($7.8 million), $350,000 and five billion Sudanese pounds ($105 million).&nbsp;

Bashir swept to power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989.&nbsp;

Sudan suffered high rates of corruption during his rule, ranking 172 out of 180 countries in Transparency International's 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index.

Last month, Ahmed ordered Bashir questioned over money-laundering and "financing terrorism".

In an effort to quell protests that erupted against his rule in December, Bashir imposed a nationwide state of emergency on February 22.

In May, the prosecutor general said that Bashir had been charged over the killings of protesters during those anti-regime demonstrations, which eventually led to his ouster.

Ahmed also said on Saturday that 41 other charges against "symbols of the ousted regime" were under investigation.&nbsp;

He did not name the others accused but said most of the charges were related to the "possession of land".

Ousted Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir will appear in court next week to face charges of corruption and possessing foreign currency, the country's acting prosecutor general told reporters on Saturday.

Ousted Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir will appear in court next week to face charges of corruption and possessing foreign currency, the country's acting prosecutor general told reporters on Saturday. The announcement came more than two months after the military overthrew Bashir on April 11 following months of nationwide protests against his 30-year iron-fisted rule. Bashir "will appear in court next week following charges of corruption and possessing foreign currency," Al-Waleed Sayyed Ahmed said, without specifying the day. He added that the investigation launched against Bashir for the charges had been completed. On Thursday, an unnamed Sudanese official was quoted by the official SUNA news agency as saying Bashir was facing charges including "possessing foreign funds, acquiring suspected and illegal wealth and ordering (the state of) emergency". In April, Sudan's army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said that more than $113 million worth of cash in three currencies had been seized from Bashir's residence. He said a team of police, army and security agents found seven million euros ($7.8 million), $350,000 and five billion Sudanese pounds ($105 million). Bashir swept to power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989. Sudan suffered high rates of corruption during his rule, ranking 172 out of 180 countries in Transparency International's 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index. Last month, Ahmed ordered Bashir questioned over money-laundering and "financing terrorism". In an effort to quell protests that erupted against his rule in December, Bashir imposed a nationwide state of emergency on February 22. In May, the prosecutor general said that Bashir had been charged over the killings of protesters during those anti-regime demonstrations, which eventually led to his ouster. Ahmed also said on Saturday that 41 other charges against "symbols of the ousted regime" were under investigation. He did not name the others accused but said most of the charges were related to the "possession of land".

Sudan's Bashir to appear in court on graft charge: Prosecutor

Weak rays of early morning sun seep through the smoke rising from smouldering piles of dried dung, keeping flies away from the precious cattle.

Children instinctively reach down for the white ash, a natural mosquito repellent, and rub it on their skin as women set to milking and men prepare for a long day seeking pasture at the peak of the dry season.

The passing of centuries seems to have changed little in the ebb and flow of life for herders in remote<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bush-fire-guts-four-villages-in-south-sudan-kills-33-216665"> South Sudan</a>, whose cattle serve as a bank account and play a core role in every aspect of life.

There has, however, been one devastating shift.

Instead of their traditional spears, cowherds now carry automatic rifles that have transformed cattle raids, a generations-old phenomenon, into massacres that have unleashed brutal cycles of vengeance.

"It is good to have a weapon because it helps you to protect the cattle," said Puk Duoth, 25, a header from a camp outside the northeastern village of Udier.

While South Sudan's elites signed a power-sharing truce in September 2018, cattle raids have worsened, highlighting the herculean task required to resolve local conflicts in a society shattered by war.&nbsp;

According to the UN peacekeeping mission UNMISS, 218 members of herder communities were killed in January in tit-for-tat attacks -- almost three times the toll of 73 in the four months from October 2017 to January 2018.&nbsp;

Observers blame a deadly cocktail of factors for the rising body count: a breakdown of law and order in the war-torn nation, an influx of guns and inflation in the bride price -- paid in cattle.

Cash cows&nbsp;

In these parts, cows are everything.

In the culture of the Nuer and Dinka peoples -- South Sudan's largest herder communities -- boys are named after a favoured bull, and songs are written to glorify the long-horned beasts.

"If you are sick, then the cow can be sold and the money used for treatment," says Beny Chuer, a Dinka chief from Amazing camp outside the central city of Rumbek -- one of the areas worst affected by raids and revenge killings.

"If a mother dies leaving a small baby, that child will live because a cow will be milked to feed it."

Cattle is currency -- each head worth about $500 (440 euros). The more a man owns, the more admiration he garners.

"If you are sitting in a community meeting and you are talking rubbish, but people know you have many cows, you will be honoured," said Peter Machar, of the NGO Saferworld working on local conflicts.

In his 1940 study of the Nuer people, British anthropologist Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard found this single-minded preoccupation frustrating in his research efforts.

"I used sometimes to despair that I never discussed anything with the young men but livestock and girls and even the subject of girls led inevitably to that of cattle," he wrote.

&nbsp;Costly brides, rampant guns&nbsp;

"For us, a cow is the source of money," said chief Chuer, well over two metres (6 feet, 7 inches) tall -- a genetic legacy perhaps of tall women being viewed as more valuable in herder communities.

He boasts that his tallest daughter earned him a whopping 250 cows.

This is part of the cause of conflict, said Peter Machar's colleague Majok Mon, his own first name a Dinka word for the markings on a bull.

Bride prices soared as donor money poured into the country after independence from Sudan, allowing politicians, military men and the well-connected to enrich themselves and "get a lot of money" to pay for a wife, he said.

The average price went up from about 20 head of cattle to 100, in a country where the majority of people follow the tradition.

Suddenly, many young men could not afford to get married unless they raided cattle from other communities.

Guns flooded the country between the war for independence, achieved in 2011, and the internal conflict that erupted two years later as President Salva Kiir and rival Riek Machar fell out.

Both sides armed young herders and mobilised them to fight, said Peter Machar.

As any semblance of law and order collapsed, the warring also destroyed traditional systems, managed by tribal chiefs, for settling feuds.

"What brought the issue of cattle raids is the gun... if you don't have a gun, then you will be monitored slowly, slowly until you are shot and your cows were taken, but if you have your gun, then you can shoot" in defence, said Chuer.

Out of control&nbsp;

While fighting has stopped in most of the country as a result of the peace deal, this has changed nothing for herder groups nursing long-standing grievances unrelated to the national tug of war for power.

And with the attention elsewhere, armed herders are launching increasingly deadly military-style attacks on rival camps, with women and children among the victims.

The reality in these remote communities "is very far from what is happening with the elites in Juba," United Nations special envoy David Shearer told AFP.

A report on the "militarisation" of cattle raiding in South Sudan, published last year in the Journal of International Humanitarian Action, warned that leaders like Kiir and Riek Machar, "has undermined the traditional mechanisms that once governed violence in order to further their individual political interests, no longer have control over these raiders either."

All these factors bode ill for prospects of peace in a country whose youth has known nothing but conflict.

Weak rays of early morning sun seep through the smoke rising from smouldering piles of dried dung, keeping flies away from the precious cattle. Children instinctively reach down for the white ash, a natural mosquito repellent, and rub it on their skin as women set to milking and men prepare for a long day seeking pasture at the peak of the dry season.

Weak rays of early morning sun seep through the smoke rising from smouldering piles of dried dung, keeping flies away from the precious cattle. Children instinctively reach down for the white ash, a natural mosquito repellent, and rub it on their skin as women set to milking and men prepare for a long day seeking pasture at the peak of the dry season. The passing of centuries seems to have changed little in the ebb and flow of life for herders in remote South Sudan, whose cattle serve as a bank account and play a core role in every aspect of life. There has, however, been one devastating shift. Instead of their traditional spears, cowherds now carry automatic rifles that have transformed cattle raids, a generations-old phenomenon, into massacres that have unleashed brutal cycles of vengeance. "It is good to have a weapon because it helps you to protect the cattle," said Puk Duoth, 25, a header from a camp outside the northeastern village of Udier. While South Sudan's elites signed a power-sharing truce in September 2018, cattle raids have worsened, highlighting the herculean task required to resolve local conflicts in a society shattered by war. According to the UN peacekeeping mission UNMISS, 218 members of herder communities were killed in January in tit-for-tat attacks -- almost three times the toll of 73 in the four months from October 2017 to January 2018. Observers blame a deadly cocktail of factors for the rising body count: a breakdown of law and order in the war-torn nation, an influx of guns and inflation in the bride price -- paid in cattle. Cash cows In these parts, cows are everything. In the culture of the Nuer and Dinka peoples -- South Sudan's largest herder communities -- boys are named after a favoured bull, and songs are written to glorify the long-horned beasts. "If you are sick, then the cow can be sold and the money used for treatment," says Beny Chuer, a Dinka chief from Amazing camp outside the central city of Rumbek -- one of the areas worst affected by raids and revenge killings. "If a mother dies leaving a small baby, that child will live because a cow will be milked to feed it." Cattle is currency -- each head worth about $500 (440 euros). The more a man owns, the more admiration he garners. "If you are sitting in a community meeting and you are talking rubbish, but people know you have many cows, you will be honoured," said Peter Machar, of the NGO Saferworld working on local conflicts. In his 1940 study of the Nuer people, British anthropologist Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard found this single-minded preoccupation frustrating in his research efforts. "I used sometimes to despair that I never discussed anything with the young men but livestock and girls and even the subject of girls led inevitably to that of cattle," he wrote. Costly brides, rampant guns "For us, a cow is the source of money," said chief Chuer, well over two metres (6 feet, 7 inches) tall -- a genetic legacy perhaps of tall women being viewed as more valuable in herder communities. He boasts that his tallest daughter earned him a whopping 250 cows. This is part of the cause of conflict, said Peter Machar's colleague Majok Mon, his own first name a Dinka word for the markings on a bull. Bride prices soared as donor money poured into the country after independence from Sudan, allowing politicians, military men and the well-connected to enrich themselves and "get a lot of money" to pay for a wife, he said. The average price went up from about 20 head of cattle to 100, in a country where the majority of people follow the tradition. Suddenly, many young men could not afford to get married unless they raided cattle from other communities. Guns flooded the country between the war for independence, achieved in 2011, and the internal conflict that erupted two years later as President Salva Kiir and rival Riek Machar fell out. Both sides armed young herders and mobilised them to fight, said Peter Machar. As any semblance of law and order collapsed, the warring also destroyed traditional systems, managed by tribal chiefs, for settling feuds. "What brought the issue of cattle raids is the gun... if you don't have a gun, then you will be monitored slowly, slowly until you are shot and your cows were taken, but if you have your gun, then you can shoot" in defence, said Chuer. Out of control While fighting has stopped in most of the country as a result of the peace deal, this has changed nothing for herder groups nursing long-standing grievances unrelated to the national tug of war for power. And with the attention elsewhere, armed herders are launching increasingly deadly military-style attacks on rival camps, with women and children among the victims. The reality in these remote communities "is very far from what is happening with the elites in Juba," United Nations special envoy David Shearer told AFP. A report on the "militarisation" of cattle raiding in South Sudan, published last year in the Journal of International Humanitarian Action, warned that leaders like Kiir and Riek Machar, "has undermined the traditional mechanisms that once governed violence in order to further their individual political interests, no longer have control over these raiders either." All these factors bode ill for prospects of peace in a country whose youth has known nothing but conflict.

Money, guns and brides fuel South Sudan's cattle wars

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