Efforts from the Arab summit regarding the Sudanese situation culminated today, Saturday, in the signing of a 7-day humanitarian ceasefire agreement between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese army in Jeddah. The agreement includes the allowance for repairs of facilities, to take effect 48 hours after its signing. It also encompasses the formation of a committee to monitor the ceasefire, represented by Saudi Arabia, the United States, the army, and the Rapid Support Forces, in addition to the withdrawal of military forces from cities. Sources in the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that significant efforts are being made to elevate the discussions to negotiations aimed at resolving the crisis.
The ongoing fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces has led to the breakdown of law and order, with widespread looting occurring as both sides blame each other for it. Food supplies, cash, and essential needs are rapidly dwindling. Diplomatic missions continue to face systematic attacks, with the Saudi Foreign Ministry condemning the storming and vandalism of the Qatari embassy, expressing complete rejection of all forms of violence and destruction against diplomatic missions. The Foreign Ministry revealed that the conflicting parties would sign a humanitarian ceasefire lasting for 10 days, renewable. Qatar has called for safeguarding diplomatic missions from the consequences of the fighting.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated today that he spoke with the commander of the Sudanese army, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, regarding ongoing efforts to reach another short-term ceasefire in Sudan. Blinken wrote in a tweet: "I spoke this morning with Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan about ongoing discussions to achieve an effective short-term ceasefire aimed at facilitating humanitarian aid and restoring essential services urgently needed by the Sudanese people."
**Continuation of Airstrikes**
Airstrikes hit the outskirts of the Sudanese capital Khartoum last night and this morning as the conflict, now in its sixth week, has trapped civilians in a humanitarian crisis, displacing over a million people. Witnesses reported airstrikes in southern Omdurman and north of Bahri, two cities across the river from Khartoum. Some strikes occurred near the broadcasting authority in Omdurman. Witnesses in Khartoum mentioned that the situation was relatively calm despite hearing sporadic gunfire. The conflict, which erupted on April 15, has led to the internal displacement of approximately 1.1 million people or their flight to neighboring countries. The World Health Organization reported about 705 deaths and at least 5,287 injuries.
The talks facilitated by the United States and Saudi Arabia in Jeddah were unproductive, with both sides accusing each other of violating multiple ceasefire agreements. The Rapid Support Forces are deployed in residential areas, exposing them to almost continuous airstrikes from army forces. Ground fighting has reignited in recent days in Darfur. Both parties exchanged accusations in statements issued yesterday regarding the outbreak of fighting in Nyala, one of the largest cities in the country, which had experienced relative calm for weeks due to a locally mediated ceasefire. The U.S. Agency for International Development announced late yesterday its provision of over $100 million for Sudan and neighboring countries hosting Sudanese refugees, including critical food and medical assistance. Agency Director Samantha Power stated, "It is difficult to describe the scale of the suffering occurring now in Sudan."
