Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF), which has been fighting the government army for a week, has agreed to a 72-hour truce for humanitarian reasons. The Sudanese army did not comment on the decision. According to the World Health Organization, at least 330 people have been killed and 3,200 injured in the fighting so far.
“The truce coincides with the blessed Eid al-Fitr (Muslim holiday – ed.) to open humanitarian corridors to evacuate citizens and give them the opportunity to welcome their families,” RSF said in a statement quoted by Reuters.
The truce will take effect from Friday morning. So far, the Sudanese army has not commented on it.
CHAOS IN SUDAN – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Destroyed vehicles in KhartoumOmer Erdem/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
The UN Secretary-General called for a truce
On Thursday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a ceasefire Sudanwhich would last “at least three days” due to the celebration of Eid al-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan.
According to the World Health Organization, at least 330 people have been killed and 3,200 injured in the fighting so far.
The conflict has shattered hopes for democracy in Sudan and could play an important role in the regional rivalry between Russia and the United States, Reuters reported. Sudan is located in a strategic place between EgyptSaudi Arabia and Ethiopia Reuters noted.
The defense ministry of neighboring Chad said that “thousands of refugees seeking refuge” fleeing the conflict in Sudan were crossing the country’s borders.
Main photo source: Omer Erdem/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images