The clashes between RSF paramilitary force and the Sudanese army have left Indians reeling under panic and uncertainty in Sudan's capital. A number of SOS messages have been posted online by Indians, who are stuck in hotel rooms across the capital city Khartoum.
Ravi, a manager of a hotel in Khartoum, and a native of Uttar Pradesh, said that the situation is “very critical.” He said that some of those who had gone to the airport to travel back home returned to the hotel since flight operations were disrupted.
“We can hear continuous firing and bombardment. This is the first time I am experiencing something like this.” He added that he is hosting a number of Indian guests and he is trying his best to comfort them.
After the Indian Embassy in Sudan tweeted an advisory asking Indian citizens to stay indoors, Surendra Yadav, an Indian currently in Khartoum replied, “We are 13 Indians residing in Hotel Kanon, 15 Street, Khartoum, please let us know how we can go to India.”
According to some of the Indians there, the Indian Embassy has created a Whatsapp group to provide regular updates. However, some like Soumyaranjan were unable to join the group as it has reached its limit.
The IT engineer from Mumbai, who is on an assignment for a bank, is staying at Hotel Paradise in Khartoum. “I got up today morning to the sounds of gunfire. I panicked. Though the fighting erupted 3-4 kilometres away from my hotel, I could clearly see the smoke and hear sounds(of fighting). It feels like watching a show on TV. The windows get shattered occasionally. I haven’t told about my situation to my family since they would panic. My colleagues and I aren't able to step out anywhere. I have been here for a month but never expected such intense scenes. I have contacted my company which in turn is coordinating with the Embassy. Hopefully, I should be in a safe place soon.”
Maheen. S, a Youtuber from Kerala tweeted an image of smoke billowing from the ground. “Full of gunshots. This is the view from the place I'm staying. I'm here in Sudan for travelling now from (for) last 3 & half weeks.”
Maheen said, “Around morning 11.30, I heard something that sounded like thunderstorms. I checked through the window and later found out that it was the sound of jet planes flying around. I didn't feel anything suspicious (then) as I was sleepy. At 12.10pm, I woke up to loud sounds of gunshots around my area. And, I saw black smoke rising into the sky. Shooting is still going on and people are staying indoors. Many people are leaving the city with their bags. People are seen walking towards the Southern direction; it seems like Khartoum City is not at all safe now. Many even got robbed by armed groups in the city. Many people are exploiting the situation for their benefits. Through my friends, I got to know that conflict is also happening at other places like Dongola town”