Mediators call on Sudan’s warring parties to extend ceasefire
Riyadh, May 28 (EFE).- Sudan conflict mediators Saudi Arabia and the United States on Sunday called on the country’s two warring parties to reach an agreement to extend their ceasefire, set to expire in one day.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America call on the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to continue discussions to reach an agreement on extending the ceasefire that is set to expire at 9:45 pm Khartoum time on May 29,” said a statement released by the Saudi foreign ministry.
The current seven-day ceasefire was agreed after weeks of indirect and secretive dialogue between the Sudanese Army and the RSF in the Saudi city of Jeddah.
The main objective of the truce, the eighth since the start of the conflict on Apr. 15, is to guarantee the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid into the country, but also to ensure the parties’ compliance in the protection of people and civil facilities, especially health centers and services.
“In the absence of an agreement to extend the current ceasefire, it remains incumbent on the parties to adhere to their obligations under the short-term ceasefire and the preceding Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan,” the statement said.
It added that “the extension will facilitate the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese people.”
None of the truces reached in Sudan have been respected by the warring parties, although they have served to help evacuation operations and the escape of Sudanese to safer areas amid numerous difficulties and insecurity.
Almost a month and a half on from the start of the conflict, the clashes have cut off many services, including water, electricity and telecommunications, as well as two thirds of the country’s hospitals.
The conflict has also caused the death of 700 civilians and the internal or external displacement of more than 1 million people, mostly women and children. EFE
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