KHARTOUM, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) traded accusations on Thursday over a fire at the Khartoum oil refinery, a key piece of infrastructure that has been under RSF control since fighting erupted in April.
Information Minister Khalid Ali Aleisir said in a statement the RSF had "set fire to the Khartoum (Oil) Refinery in Al-Jaili," north of the capital, calling it part of "a series of systematic criminal acts aimed at destroying vital facilities."
He listed previous alleged RSF targets including water and electricity stations, dams, hospitals, homes, government institutions, museums, schools, universities and other infrastructure.
"This is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions," Aleisir said, adding the government would rebuild and continue efforts "to eradicate this rebellious group from Sudan." He also called for the international community to classify the RSF, its members and supporters as terrorist entities.
The RSF countered, saying the army launched airstrikes on the refinery. "The ongoing aerial bombardment of the refinery, the latest of which was this morning, which led to its destruction, represents a full-fledged war crime," the RSF said in a statement.
The Khartoum refinery, the country's largest, was built in the 1990s and is located in the Al-Jaili area, approximately 70 km north of Khartoum. It has a capacity of 100,000 barrels per day, supplying a significant portion of Sudan's fuel needs. Its strategic importance has made it a key battleground in the ongoing conflict.
The fighting between the Sudanese army and the RSF began in mid-April 2023, escalating from a power struggle between the two military factions. The conflict has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, killing nearly 30,000 people and displacing more than 15 million, according to figures from international organizations, though accurate counts are difficult to obtain amid the ongoing violence. The conflict has also disrupted essential services, including healthcare, water, and electricity, and crippled the country's economy. ■
