The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has announced a 72-hour humanitarian ceasefire, aiming to open humanitarian corridors, facilitate movement for Sudanese and foreign nationals, and ensure that they receive access to necessities and can reach safe areas.
“Despite the Sudanese Armed Forces’ (SAF) continued violations of the ceasefire, the RSF remains committed to protecting citizens and upholding the principles of democracy,” reads a statement issued by the RSF Official Spokesperson.
The Trilateral Mechanism (African Union, Inter-governmental Authority on Development and United Nations) called on Generals Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Daglo “Hemedti” to agree to another extension of the 72-hour ceasefire and ensure its full implementation by the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
“As the people of Sudan urgently need a humanitarian pause, the Trilateral Mechanism urges the parties to the conflict to respect the ceasefire, protect civilians and refrain from attacks on civilian populated areas, schools, and healthcare facilities. All parties must remind their fighters of their obligations under international law,” reads the statement in part.
It adds: “This ceasefire would also pave the way for talks between both sides towards the establishment of a permanent cessation of hostilities.”
The truce is the sixth of its kind since clashes erupted between the two sides on April 15, without observing it.
SAF in a parallel statement said it had “agreed to extend the truce for a period of 72 hours, starting from the expiration of the current truce at midnight on Sunday, based on mediation by the United States and Saudi Arabia.”
It said the army agreed to the extension despite monitoring the intentions of the Rapid Support Forces to attack some sites, but expressed hope that the other party will abide by the cessation of hostilities.
However, RSF accused SAF of attacking their positions backed by elements from the former regime.
“Backed by radical Islamist elements associated with the regime of former dictator Omar al-Bashir and acting under the direction of SAF General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the SAF continues to attack RSF-controlled areas and target innocent civilians in its operations,” RSF said in a statement.
It adds: “As the RSF responds to these attacks, we emphasize our dedication to establishing a civilian government and promoting peace and stability in Sudan.”