Hellish, absolutely insane' conditions in Sudan

Norway's ambassador to Sudan Endre Stiansen has told the BBC that conditions are “hellish”, in the capital Khartoum amid Intense fighting between rival military factions.

It comes as the fighting continues for a sixth day.

Prolonged gunfire and explosions were heard throughout the night, marking the failure of the second ceasefire attempt in as many days.

Quote Message: It’s been a very, very bad night… Continuous pounding, may be from 3 o'clock. Very intense sometimes, hellish, to be honest.
It’s been a very, very bad night… Continuous pounding, may be from 3 o'clock. Very intense sometimes, hellish, to be honest.

He said: "I’m safe, where I’m staying I can’t imagine how anybody can survive where intense hits have taken place.

"I’m safe, where I’m staying I can’t imagine how anybody can survive where intense hits have taken place.

"Maybe for your listeners they are familiar with the images from Ukraine…this is similar to that, it’s horrendous and it’s just ongoing, ongoing, ongoing even if it seems to be subsiding, it’s been like this every day…it’s hellish, relentless and absolutely insane."

Residents have been fleeing Khartoum, fearful about dwindling food supplies and the collapse of medical services.

Clashes have been reported elsewhere in Sudan.

The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, is due to hold online talks with the leaders of regional bodies (the African Union, the Arab League and Igad) in the hope of arranging a workable ceasefire.