Sudan conflict: Ceasefire extended but fighting goes on
-
Salma Hossein
- . April 28, 2023
- . Update: April 28, 2023 7:54 pm
The army of the Republic of Sudan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have agreed to extend their ceasefire for an additional 72 hours. However, fighting still continues in Khartoum, the Capital of Sudan, and the western Darfur region.
On Thursday evening, the Sudanese army agreed to an extension of the truce. Hours later, Rapid Support Forces (RSF) also agreed to an extension. The extension of the ceasefire came after the United States, Saudi Arabia, Norway, the United Kingdom, and South Sudan urged the Sudanese army and the paramilitary force to extend the truce.
The previous three-day truce was due to end at midnight on Thursday. It did not stop the fighting but allowed thousands of people to flee the country. It also allowed other countries to evacuate hundreds of their citizens from Sudan.
After the extension of the truce, Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Press Secretary, said that the situation in Sudan could worsen at any moment.
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Eyewitnesses claimed that the fighting continued in the Sudanese capital after the extension of the truce. RSF said that the Sudanese army pounded the Sudanese capital.
Maryam al-Sadiq al-Mahdi, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sudan, claimed that civilians were still living in fear. She told Radio Four’s World Tonight programme, “What they call a truce has nothing to do with what is happening.” Air attacks were seen on Thursday in the capital.
The White House, the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, expressed concern over the violations of the ceasefire. The White House also urged US citizens to leave Sudan within 24 to 48 hours.
The conflict started between the RSF and the Sudanese army on April 14. According to reports, the conflict killed 512 people and injured 4,200 others.
The World Health Organization also expressed concern about the situation in Sudan.
