By Smartencyclopedia with agencies

The recently reached agreement stipulates a seven-day ceasefire, set to commence 48 hours after its signing. Past ceasefire agreements have regrettably been breached on multiple occasions.

Late on Saturday, Sudan’s conflicting factions signed an agreement to enforce a seven-day ceasefire, according to sources from both sides. The ongoing fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in a state of chaos and forced over a million people to flee their homes during the past six weeks.

The violence has severely impacted the rule of law, leading to shortages of food, cash, and essential supplies. The situation has been further exacerbated by widespread looting targeting banks, embassies, factories, and aid storage facilities.

The new agreement mandates a seven-day ceasefire, which is scheduled to begin 48 hours after the signing. However, it is important to note that previous ceasefire agreements have been repeatedly violated.

Talks sponsored by Saudi Arabia and the United States, held in Jeddah, have so far failed to produce tangible results beyond a declaration of principles on May 12. Consequently, there has been no substantial change on the ground.

The lack of safe passage and security guarantees for aid workers has impeded aid groups from delivering adequate assistance in Khartoum, the capital city. This situation has hindered their ability to provide the necessary support and aid to those in need.

Discussions sponsored by Saudi Arabia and the United States, held in Jeddah, have thus far yielded only a declaration of principles on May 12 without tangible on-the-ground changes.

Due to the absence of safe passage and security guarantees for their staff, aid groups have expressed their inability to offer adequate assistance in Khartoum, the capital city. As a result, their capacity to provide necessary aid and support has been significantly constrained.

On Saturday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken of the United States held a conversation with army leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan regarding the Jeddah talks, as confirmed by the US State Department. In a statement by spokesperson Matthew Miller, it was mentioned that Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of flexibility and leadership in the incremental process of the negotiations.

Eyewitnesses have reported air strikes in southern Omdurman and northern Bahri, which are situated across the Nile from Khartoum, forming Sudan’s “triple capital.” Some of the strikes occurred near the state broadcaster in Omdurman, as stated by the witnesses.

Residents in the al-Salha neighborhood of Omdurman described heavy artillery fire, causing their houses to shake and inducing fear and panic. The presence of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in residential areas has resulted in frequent airstrikes by the regular armed forces.

In Khartoum, witnesses noted relative calm, although sporadic gunshots could be heard.

Since the conflict began on April 15, it has led to the internal displacement of nearly 1.1 million people and their migration to neighboring countries. The World Health Organization reports that 705 individuals have lost their lives, and at least 5,287 people have sustained injuries.

In recent days, ground fighting has reignited in the Darfur region, specifically in the cities of Nyala and Zalenjei.

Both sides have exchanged blame for instigating the fighting in Nyala, which had experienced relative calm for weeks due to a locally negotiated truce.

According to a local activist, sporadic gun clashes occurred near Khartoum’s main market close to army headquarters on Saturday morning. Activists reported that nearly 30 people died in the preceding two days of fighting.

Looting has been observed, with churches and other buildings being targeted. The conflict in Khartoum erupted due to disagreements over the integration of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the army and the future chain of command under an internationally supported agreement to transition Sudan towards democracy after years of autocratic rule and conflict.

On Friday, army leader Burhan removed RSF chief Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo as his deputy on the ruling council they led. Former rebel leader Malik Agar was appointed as Dagalo’s replacement.

Agar, in a statement on Saturday, accepted the position to contribute to peace efforts and ensure support for the upcoming agricultural season, which, if unsuccessful, would result in widespread hunger. He emphasized the importance of dialogue for achieving peace and urged for a unified army to maintain stability.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) announced over $100 million in aid to Sudan and countries hosting Sudanese refugees, including essential food and medical assistance.

Several churches, including the Virgin Mary church in downtown Khartoum, have been looted, according to a church official. Armed individuals gave the bishop a week to vacate the church, after which it was looted and turned into a base by the attackers. Church leaders are uncertain whether the attacks are targeted or part of the general chaos engulfing Khartoum.

Qatar stated that its embassy was the latest in a series of embassies that have been looted, as per a statement released by the country.