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The Sudanese army and the FAR have agreed to extend the ceasefire for 72 hours, facilitating the evacuation of civilians

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PHOTO/AFP - At least 512 people have been killed since 15 April, while 4,200 others have been wounded
Margarita Arredondas
Updated: 29/04/23

Hopes are growing for a ceasefire in Sudan after the two warring sides agreed to extend the truce by 72 hours. The leader of the Sudanese army, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, took the first step towards extending the ceasefire, approving its prolongation. He also raised the possibility of sending a representative to South Sudan to begin bilateral talks with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

For its part, the paramilitary militia led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo announced the extension of the truce shortly before midnight, reaffirming its commitment "to the terms of the ceasefire, taking into account the circumstances of the Sudanese people and facilitating the evacuation of diplomatic and foreign nationals". 

In the statement, FAR also thanked the US and Saudi Arabia for "their continued support since the outbreak of the crisis in Sudan". Both countries have played a key role in the truces reached so far and in efforts to bring about a cessation of fighting. They have also maintained contact with the leaders of the two sides in order to promote a dialogue for peace. 

Both the United States and Saudi Arabia welcomed the decision to extend the truce in a joint communiqué from the trilateral mechanism - comprising the United Nations, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) - and the Quartet for Sudan, made up of the two countries, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.  

The two organisations have called on the Sudanese army and the FAR to "demand the full implementation" of the ceasefire, since during the various truces agreed since the fighting began on 15 April, neither side has fully respected the terms of the ceasefire.  

According to the joint note, "this initial phase of diplomacy" to promote a process to achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities and the arrival of humanitarian aid "will contribute to action in the development of a de-escalation plan" between the warring sides. This truce will also facilitate the opening of humanitarian corridors, as well as the evacuation of foreigners from Sudan. 

However, despite international mediation and promises by military leaders, fighting continues in parts of the country such as Khartoum, Omdurman and Darfur. Within the capital, clashes have been reported near military barracks, the Presidential Palace and in areas close to the international airport. In fact, a Turkish plane on its way to the African country to evacuate foreigners was hit by gunfire, although it was able to land "safely", according to the Turkish Defence Ministry in a statement.

This incident has once again provoked accusations between the two sides. Firstly, the Sudanese army accused the FAR of firing at the Turkish aircraft, something the rebel militia denies. 

Sudanese and foreigners flee the violence  

As the fighting continues, the death toll continues to rise. At least 512 people have been killed since 15 April, while 4,200 others have been wounded. Due to insecurity and shortages of basic supplies, thousands of Sudanese and foreigners have begun to flee the country. In the last few hours, Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported the arrival of 16,000 people from its southern neighbour. According to Cairo, 14,000 are Sudanese nationals and 2,000 are nationals of 50 different countries or members of international organisations. 

On the other hand, according to data from the IOM (International Organisation for Migration) headquarters in Ethiopia collected by AFP, more than 3,500 people of more than 35 nationalities arrived in the country fleeing violence in Sudan. 

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