Follow the latest news from the Sudan crisis here
As the fighting rages unabated in Sudan for a fifth day despite both sides agreeing to a ceasefire, diplomatic missions have urged the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces to end hostilities immediately without conditions.
Both sides agreed to a 24-hour truce that theoretically started at 6pm on Wednesday, but failed to stop hostilities, witnesses said in the capital Khartoum.
A similar truce was declared on Tuesday but it also failed to stop the fighting, with both sides stepping up their attacks.
The diplomatic missions cautioned military leaders against further escalation, calling on them to observe their obligations under international law to protect civilians, diplomats and humanitarians in the country.
The missions included the embassies of the US, the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden and the Delegation of the EU.
I was up all night unable to sleep because of the fighting... startled by even heavier fighting and the screams of children from my neighbours’ homes
Khartoum resident
On Wednesday morning, a dark cloud loomed over Sudan's capital Khartoum — a physical manifestation of despair after a night of intense fighting between the army and the powerful RSF, despite Tuesday's ceasefire agreement and another attempt on Wednesday.
The fighting was centred around the airport and the headquarters of the armed forces, both a short distance away from Khartoum's city centre.
Heavy black smoke was billowing from one side of the airport, which has been closed since Saturday and is thought to be under the control of the RSF.
Satellite images show smouldering or damaged airliners sitting on the tarmac.
Both sides have made conflicting claims about the armed forces' headquarters, but witnesses say it remains contested. Video clips posted online show parts of the sprawling complex blackened by fire.
The military said in a statement that it has thwarted an attack by the RSF on its headquarters and captured all-terrain vehicles, ammunition and rifles from the attacking force.
It acknowledged that the RSF was in control of the Interior Ministry, which is in charge of the police, as well as arms depots belonging to the police.
Tuesday's 24-hour truce, which was expected to take effect at 6pm, was shattered before it began, dashing the hopes of the city’s nearly seven million residents of stocking up on food, medicine and baby formula.
Wednesday 6pm ceasefire also appeared to pass with no pause in fighting.
Fires sparked by shelling sent smoke billowing into the sky above Khartoum to feed the ever-blackening horizon.
“I was up all night unable to sleep because of the fighting, but when I finally dozed off, I was startled shortly after by even heavier fighting and the screams of children from my neighbours’ homes,” a Khartoum resident who lives across the Nile from the city centre told The National.
“The situation was very, very difficult overnight. It is worse this morning, calamitous sounds and children’s screams.”
Both sides blamed each other for the collapse of the truce and increased fighting, with air strikes, artillery shelling and heavy gunfire rocking the city without respite since Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning.
Wednesday is the fifth consecutive day of the violence, which has killed nearly 270 civilians and wounded more than 2,600, including soldiers from both sides, according to official figures.
However, the actual death toll is thought to be much higher.
Residents of the city are taking to social media to report the deaths of relatives, friends and loved ones and to portray the present danger.
“Our young and perfectly mannered uncle has been killed by a stray bullet while on his way to buy food for his family,” wrote one resident on Facebook. “We are so tired of all this pain.”
Another wrote: “Please pray for us. We are hearing large explosions caused by air strikes.”
Social media users posted photos of damage caused by the fighting to their homes or of large-calibre bullets that hit their windows.
“God spared our lives after a bullet hit our home while we were breaking our fast,” wrote a resident next to a photo he posted of the projectile.
Thousands of the city's residents are trying to leave Khartoum to the safety of their home villages and towns, but a shortage of fuel caused by the closure of petrol stations has meant that not everyone is able to flee.
The fighting between the army and the RSF started during the last 10 days of Ramadan, when the faithful focus on their prayers and spend more time at mosques.
The major holiday marking the end of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, falls next weekend.
The fighting has also upended an internationally backed plan to restore Sudan’s democratic transition following the 2019 ousting of dictator Omar Al Bashir.
The transition was upended by a 2021 takeover led by the leaders of the current fighting, army chief Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan and RSF commander Gen Mohamed Dagalo.
The RSF commander became Gen Al Burhan’s deputy on the ruling and military-led Transitional Sovereignty Council.
The fighting has caused what the UN says is a humanitarian catastrophe, including the near collapse of the health system.
The UN World Food Programme suspended operations after three of its employees were killed.
The outbreak of fighting followed rising tension over a plan for the RSF's integration into the regular military, something that Gen Dagalo is known to oppose, preferring that his 100,000-strong force remain independent.
Discord over the timetable for that process delayed the signing of the framework deal to launch a civilian transition that was due to be signed this month.
Both Gen Dagalo and Gen Al Burhan have been trying to frame the conflict as one they are fighting for the sake of restoring Sudan's democratic transition, a claim that is readily dismissed by most Sudanese, who are astounded by the pair's decision to go to war in the heavily populated capital.
Gen Dagalo has described his rival as a war criminal and a liar who is bombing innocent civilians from the air and appealed to the international community to intervene.
Gen Al Burhan has declared the RSF to be a mutinous entity and ordered its dissolution. He also claims that foreign parties he did not name were involved in the fighting in support of the RSF.
The RSF also insists that Islamist extremists loyal to Gen Al Bashir are fighting on the army's side.
Gen Al Burhan is known to have links to Al Bashir's supporters, who he has tried to woo since the 2021 coup to counter the influence of the pro-democracy movement.
Hydrogen: Market potential
Hydrogen has an estimated $11 trillion market potential, according to Bank of America Securities and is expected to generate $2.5tn in direct revenues and $11tn of indirect infrastructure by 2050 as its production increases six-fold.
"We believe we are reaching the point of harnessing the element that comprises 90 per cent of the universe, effectively and economically,” the bank said in a recent report.
Falling costs of renewable energy and electrolysers used in green hydrogen production is one of the main catalysts for the increasingly bullish sentiment over the element.
The cost of electrolysers used in green hydrogen production has halved over the last five years and will fall to 60 to 90 per cent by the end of the decade, acceding to Haim Israel, equity strategist at Merrill Lynch. A global focus on decarbonisation and sustainability is also a big driver in its development.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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One in nine do not have enough to eat
Created in 1961, the World Food Programme is pledged to fight hunger worldwide as well as providing emergency food assistance in a crisis.
One of the organisation’s goals is the Zero Hunger Pledge, adopted by the international community in 2015 as one of the 17 Sustainable Goals for Sustainable Development, to end world hunger by 2030.
The WFP, a branch of the United Nations, is funded by voluntary donations from governments, businesses and private donations.
Almost two thirds of its operations currently take place in conflict zones, where it is calculated that people are more than three times likely to suffer from malnutrition than in peaceful countries.
It is currently estimated that one in nine people globally do not have enough to eat.
On any one day, the WFP estimates that it has 5,000 lorries, 20 ships and 70 aircraft on the move.
Outside emergencies, the WFP provides school meals to up to 25 million children in 63 countries, while working with communities to improve nutrition. Where possible, it buys supplies from developing countries to cut down transport cost and boost local economies.
Vidaamuyarchi
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Rating: 4/5
NYBL PROFILE
Company name: Nybl
Date started: November 2018
Founder: Noor Alnahhas, Michael LeTan, Hafsa Yazdni, Sufyaan Abdul Haseeb, Waleed Rifaat, Mohammed Shono
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Software Technology / Artificial Intelligence
Initial investment: $500,000
Funding round: Series B (raising $5m)
Partners/Incubators: Dubai Future Accelerators Cohort 4, Dubai Future Accelerators Cohort 6, AI Venture Labs Cohort 1, Microsoft Scale-up
Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
The biog
Favourite Emirati dish: Fish machboos
Favourite spice: Cumin
Family: mother, three sisters, three brothers and a two-year-old daughter
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Groom and Two Brides
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 178hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 280Nm at 1,350-4,200rpm
Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: from Dh209,000
On sale: now
FIXTURES
UAE’s remaining fixtures in World Cup qualification R2
Oct 8: Malaysia (h)
Oct 13: Indonesia (a)
Nov 12: Thailand (h)
Nov 17: Vietnam (h)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Racecard
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
