Sudan, DR Congo, Japan.

Today's three stories you should know.

Apr 15, 2023

Sudan

Heavy fighting has broken out in Sudan’s capital Khartoum as a rift between the military government and a powerful militia appears to have exploded into violence. The sounds of shooting and heavy blasts have been heard around the army headquarters, the defence ministry, and the main airport. Smoke could be seen billowing over the capital. Both the government and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group are claiming to be in control of key sites. The roots of the conflict lie in disagreements over how to go about a promised transition to civilian rule following a military coup in 2019. One of the issues is a plan to absorb the 100,000-strong RSF into the national army and questions about who would lead that force.

Al Jazeera is running a live blog on developments here.

DR Congo

At least 42 people have been killed by a rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a local civil society organization. The CODECO group was believed to be behind the attacks on three separate villages on Friday. CODECO, a particularly notorious militia, is one of scores of armed groups operating in east Congo, where they fight for territory, resources and, in some cases, to protect their communities. CODECO has been blamed for a series of massacres in recent months.

Japan

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was rushed to safety today after someone hurled what appeared to be a smoke bomb at him, sparking panic and confusion. Footage showed police piling on top of a man who was detained at the scene, according to local media. Violent attacks are extremely rare in Japan but there is heightened security around politicians and a nervousness about their safety since a former prime minister, Shinzo Abe, was assassinated at a public event last year.