Saudi Arabia and the US urge Sudan generals to respect the ceasefire

 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States (US) urged the warring sides in Sudan to respect and abide by the latest ceasefire signed by the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces.

On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia and the US highlighted the importance of the latest ceasefire. The two countries urged the two Sudanese rivals to adhere to their commitments and respect the ceasefire.

The Saudi foreign ministry said, “The Saudi and US facilitators note with concern that neither side observed its commitment not to seek military advantage during the 48-hour period after the agreement was signed and before it went into effect.”

Antony Blinken, United States Secretary of State, warned the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and Sudan’s Armed Forces to abide by the ceasefire or face possible sanctions. He said that the US would hold violators accountable through sanctions.

According to a joint statement by the US and Saudi Arabia, fighting continued in Khartoum on Tuesday. However, the fighting was less intense than in recent days. The two sides violated the Agreement by continuing the fighting. Airstrikes and offensive operations took place in Khartoum and El-Obeid.

The Saudi ministry said that the Sudanese people badly need humanitarian assistance due to intense fighting between the two forces.

The fighting between the Sudanese military, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, led by Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, started in the Sudanese capital in mid-April. The fighting led to the killing of at least 863 civilians, including at least 190 children. The fighting also injured more than 3,530 people across Sudan.

Many people left Sudan and went to neighbouring countries due to immense fighting. These people need urgent assistance.

The United Nations (UN) envoy for Sudan, Volker Perthes, also urged the two Sudanese rivals to honour the new ceasefire.