On Tuesday, opposing factions in Sudan agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire, allowing Western, Arab, and Asian nations to evacuate their citizens from the country.
The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) stated that Saudi Arabia and we mediated the ceasefire.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced the ceasefire agreement after two days of intense negotiations. Previous temporary ceasefire agreements have been broken by the parties involved. Since April 15, the conflict between the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group has resulted in at least 427 deaths, destroyed hospitals and other facilities, and turned residential areas into battle zones.
Blinken urged the SAF and RSF to uphold the ceasefire and announced that the US would work with regional, international, and Sudanese civil interests to establish a committee overseeing a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian arrangements.
The RSF confirmed their commitment to the ceasefire, which began at midnight, to facilitate humanitarian efforts. The SAF also supported the truce on their Facebook page, and a coalition of Sudanese civil society organizations involved in democratic transition negotiations welcomed the news.
Before the truce announcement, a Reuters reporter documented airstrikes and ground combat in Omdurman, one of the three cities in the capital region, and clashes in the capital, Khartoum. Smoke engulfed the area near the international airport in central Khartoum as artillery fire rattled the vicinity.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the violence in Sudan risked a catastrophic escalation that could engulf the entire region and beyond.
Tens of thousands of people, including Sudanese and citizens from neighboring countries, have fled to Egypt, Chad, and South Sudan despite Sudan’s instability and harsh living conditions. Foreign governments have been working to ensure the safety of their citizens, with a 65-vehicle convoy transporting diplomats, humanitarian workers, and children from Khartoum to Port Sudan on the Red Sea.
The situation is becoming increasingly dire for those remaining in Sudan, with severe food shortages, potable water, medicine, and fuel. The fighting has also impeded relief efforts.
Several countries, including the United States, Canada, France, Poland, and Switzerland, have suspended embassy operations until further notice. In addition, over the weekend, the United States and the United Kingdom evacuated their embassy staff, initiating the exodus of hundreds of foreign nationals from various countries.
The United Nations Secretary-General urged the Security Council members to use their influence to return Sudan to the path of democratic transition.
