According to early reports, the clashes began in the afternoon on April 15 at the headquarters of a Sudanese television network, with staff describing the sounds of gunfire inside the building. Reuters notes that the incident unfolded during a tense moment, and the situation remained unclear for hours as details emerged. The presenter on site reported that the gunfire inside the television complex was brief, followed by a pause in the activity as security measures were put in place. Observers also noted that the network’s broadcast appeared to halt amid the armed confrontation, a sign of the disruption sweeping through the newsroom and studios. Beyond that, verifiable information about the interior conditions of the TV facility was limited, leaving many questions unanswered as the day progressed. The broader security picture in Sudan continued to evolve as authorities pursued a rapid and contested response to the chaos.
Earlier, the country’s Emergency Response Force announced control over key aviation hubs, including airports serving Khartoum, the capital, and Merowe in the northern region. Flights at the international airport near Khartoum had already been suspended amid the clashes, suggesting significant disruption to both domestic and international air traffic. The declaration of airport control came as part of a broader push by security agencies following the outbreak of hostilities, underscoring the rapid changes taking place on multiple fronts across the country.
On the night of April 13, the Sudanese army stated that the deployment of Rapid Reaction Forces in Khartoum and several other cities had been carried out without proper coordination with the Armed Forces, labeling the move as illegal and problematic for the unity of the security apparatus. This assertion highlighted the strain within the armed services and the delicate balance of power as competing factions maneuvered to assert influence and maintain control over critical infrastructure and strategic locations.
There is also word from the diplomatic front that a Russian ambassador has indicated that a provisional framework for negotiations among the conflicting parties in Sudan could be imminent. The ambassador suggested that talks might begin soon, signaling an attempt to move from battlefield dynamics toward diplomatic engagement in hopes of stabilizing the country. The prospect of negotiations reflects ongoing international concern over the humanitarian and political consequences of the fighting and the urgent need for a ceasefire or de-escalation to protect civilians and essential services.