Irish Examiner view: Danger looms in the crucible of Africa

Smoke is seen rising in Khartoum, Sudan, as fierce clashes between Sudan's military and the country's powerful paramilitary erupted following weeks of escalating tensions between the two forces. Picture: Marwan Ali/PA

The outbreak of open hostilities in a riven Sudan has been long anticipated, but is no less shocking for the speed at which violence has been unleashed in the vast and strategically important East African country which was, before division, the largest on the continent.

The country has long been a dangerous crucible of international interests including all the leading Gulf powers, the US, the EU, and Russia.