“Sudanese Armed Forces announce Eid al-Fitr truce amidst ongoing conflict: US Secretary of State urges sustained cease-fire negotiations for humanitarian aid delivery and protection of civilians”

2023-04-21 16:36:54

A statement issued by the General Command of the Armed Forces said: “The armed forces agreed to a truce for a period of three days, starting today, Friday, corresponding to April 21, to enable citizens to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, and the flow of humanitarian services.”

The statement added, “The armed forces hope that the rebels will abide by all the requirements of the armistice and stop any Military moves that would obstruct it.

The RSF agreed earlier on Friday to a 72-hour truce, but fighting continued between the two sides

The United States and regional powers sought to put pressure on both sides of the conflict in order to enter into a truce during the Eid period, to facilitate humanitarian assistance to citizens.

Washington welcomes

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken welcomed the armistice announcement from both sides, saying:

• I spoke with Burhan and Hemedti yesterday, urging them to abide by and abide by the cease-fire during this period, but it is clear, however, that the fighting continues and there is a serious mistrust between the two forces.
• The priority for all must be to end the suffering of civilians.
• I reiterate my call to both sides to stop the fighting to allow civilians to care for themselves and their families, to allow full and unhindered humanitarian access, and for all civilians, including diplomatic personnel, to reach safety.
• The most important thing is that as the fighting stops, military and civilian leaders urgently focus on beginning negotiations on arrangements for a sustainable ceasefire to prevent further harm to the Sudanese.
• Negotiations should address the delivery of humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians, including the withdrawal of both forces from urban areas.
• We remind both warring parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law, including their obligation to respect all civilians’ rights.
• The international community remains ready to support a process aimed at ending this fighting and instituting a civilian government.

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