The Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire, US Foreign Secretary Antony Blinken said. The Prime Minister of Japan said that all citizens of his country who wanted to leave Sudan have been evacuated. In turn, the Canadian authorities have announced that they will introduce new immigration support measures for Sudanese citizens currently residing in Canada.
“After intense negotiations over the past 48 hours, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Relief Forces have agreed to implement a nationwide ceasefire starting at midnight on April 24 for 72 hours,” Blinken said in a statement, urging both sides to fully enforce the agreement.
Secretary of State USA he also announced that together with “international and regional partners” and Sudanese civilian actors, he will help to create “a committee to oversee the negotiation, agreement and implementation of a permanent end to fighting” in Sudanto restore civilian rule in Sudan.
The rebel paramilitary RSF confirmed in a statement that it had agreed to a 72-hour truce to “enable humanitarian efforts,” Reuters reported.
Destruction in Sudan’s capital, KhartoumIndonesian Embassy KBRI Khartoum/PAP/EPA
Japanese evacuated
The evacuation of all Japanese who wanted to leave has been completed, the prime minister announced Fumio Kishidawhich is part of an international exodus as violence erupts in the African country, Reuters reports.
In addition to the 45 people who left late Monday evening on a Japanese military flight, eight others left with assistance France and other countries, Kishida told reporters.
Evacuation of Japanese citizens from SudanJAPAN’S MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFA/PAP/EPA
At least 427 people have been killed in fighting between the army and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with some residential areas turned into war zones.
Canada will support immigrants from Sudan
Canada will introduce new immigration support measures for Sudanese nationals who are currently in Canada and may not be able to return home due to the ongoing civil war there, the government said on Monday.
According to the Canadian Ministry of Immigration, Sudanese citizens can apply for an extension of their status in Canada, continuation of education and work, according to simplified procedures.
The ministry has also said it will make it easier for people who are still in Sudan to submit immigration applications so that they can travel to Canada when it is safe to do so.
The Canadian government has announced that it will also prioritize the processing of applications for temporary and permanent residence that are already in the system, from people still residing in the country.
Main photo source: Indonesian Embassy KBRI Khartoum/PAP/EPA