A Sudanese government official told AFP that the Sudanese army has “suspended its participation in negotiations” sponsored by Saudi Arabia and the United States to reach a truce with the paramilitaries disputing power in the country. The decision was taken because the rebels failed to comply with one of the points of the temporary truce agreement, which involved their withdrawal from hospitals and homes, and continued to break the agreement, explained the official, who preferred to remain anonymous.
Since April 15, the conflict in Sudan has pitted the army of General Abdel Fatah al-Burhan against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. Although Saudi and US mediators announced a five-day extension to the humanitarian truce in effect since May 22, the truce has been frequently violated with airstrikes, artillery fire, and armored vehicle movements.
The conflict has left at least 1,800 people dead, according to the non-governmental organization ACLED, and nearly 1.5 million displaced or refugees, according to the United Nations. Families continue to be victims of violence and are forced to flee their homes.
Before the onset of this new conflict, Sudan was already one of the poorest countries in the world. However, after almost seven weeks of war, the situation has worsened even further, as it is now estimated that 25 of the 45 million Sudanese can no longer survive without humanitarian aid, according to the UN. The population is extremely vulnerable and relies on humanitarian assistance to meet their basic needs.