Gunfire and explosions shook Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, just hours before a seven-day ceasefire was set to begin. The ceasefire, which started late Monday night, is crucial for allowing much-needed humanitarian aid to reach those affected by the conflict. Despite previous ceasefire declarations, the UN’s Special Envoy to Sudan, Volker Perthes, revealed that the conflict, which began in April, has not subsided.
In a glimmer of hope, rival generals Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, with the mediation of the United States and Saudi Arabia, have agreed to silence their weapons from Monday evening. The ceasefire was confirmed through a joint statement by the US and Saudi Arabia. Previous attempts at ceasefire between Sudan's army, led by al-Burhan, and the paramilitary militia RSF, led by Dagalo, have largely failed.
There are hopes that this latest ceasefire attempt will be more successful. Both sides have signed the ceasefire agreement in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, according to Saudi sources. The ceasefire is critical for delivering humanitarian aid to the affected population, providing a temporary respite from the violence.
However, given the history of unsuccessful ceasefires, ongoing vigilance and sustained efforts from all parties involved are essential to ensure the ceasefire holds and progresses towards a lasting peace. The international community must continue to support Sudan's peace process and work towards addressing the root causes of the conflict.
