Sudan Factions Agree to 72-Hour Ceasefire as Foreigners Are Evacuated

Breaking news from Sudan: after days of intense fighting, warring factions have finally agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire starting on Tuesday. This comes as Western, Arab, and Asian nations scramble to evacuate their citizens from the country.

The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) announced that the U.S. and Saudi Arabia mediated the truce, which was first announced by U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. However, previous temporary truce deals have not been upheld by both sides.

The conflict between the SAF and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group has already claimed the lives of at least 427 people, destroyed hospitals and other services, and turned residential areas into war zones.

“During this period, the United States urges the SAF and RSF to immediately and fully uphold the ceasefire,” Blinken said in a statement.

The RSF confirmed that it had agreed to the ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian efforts, while the SAF also agreed to the truce deal. A coalition of Sudanese civil society groups welcomed the news.

However, ahead of the evening truce announcement, air strikes and ground fighting shook Omdurman and there were also clashes in capital Khartoum.

The situation in Sudan is dire, with tens of thousands of people fleeing to neighbouring countries despite instability and difficult living conditions. Foreign governments are working to bring their nationals to safety, with some countries halting embassy operations until further notice.

The violence in Sudan risks a catastrophic conflagration that could engulf the whole region and beyond, according to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The Security Council has planned a meeting on Sudan on Tuesday.

It’s time for the international community to step up and pressure both sides to stop the war. Let’s hope this ceasefire holds and leads to a permanent solution.

Published under: Sudan