The two warring factions of Sudan-- Sudan’s armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have agreed to a new 72-hour ceasefire from Sunday, the US and Saudi mediators said. The Sudanese capital of Khartoum saw intense fighting with deadly air attacks before the ceasefire was declared. According to a joint statement by US and Saudi mediators, the nationwide truce, which went into effect at 6 am on Sunday, will last until June 21. The air attack on Saturday killed at least 17 people.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America announce the agreement of representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces on a ceasefire throughout Sudan for a period of 72 hours,” the statement said. Both the US and Saudi have been mediating between the warring factions for weeks. Multiple ceasefire agreements have failed to stop the fighting.
The fighting, which has gone on for two months, has displaced 2.2 million Sudanese. As per Sudan's health ministry, it has killed over 3,000 people and injured over 6,000. According to the joint statement by the US and Saudi, the ceasefire would “allow the unimpeded movement and delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout the country”.
The statement also noted that “should the parties fail to observe the 72-hour ceasefire, facilitators will be compelled to consider adjourning the Jeddah talks”. According to the United Nations, about 25 million people are in need of aid and protection.
