Sudan’s army and paramilitary RSF sign 7-day ceasefire, sources from both sides say

The new agreement calls for a seven-day ceasefire to begin 48 hours after signing. Numerous previous ceasefire agreements were violated

The fighting between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has plunged the country into chaos and displaced more than a million people

Reading Time:3 minutes

Soldiers of the Sudanese army stand near their vehicle on a road blocked with bricks in Khartoum, Sudan on Saturday. Photo: AFP

Published: 5:12am, 21 May 2023Updated: 9:00am, 21 May 2023

Sudan’s warring factions signed an agreement late on Saturday for a seven-day ceasefire, sources from the two sides said, as fighting that has plunged the country into chaos and displaced more than a million people entered its sixth week.

The fighting between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to a collapse in law. Stocks of food, cash and essentials are rapidly dwindling, and mass looting has hit banks, embassies, factories and aid warehouses.

The new agreement calls for a seven-day ceasefire to begin 48 hours after signing. Numerous previous ceasefire agreements were violated.

Sudan’s military leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan meets soldiers in Khartoum, Sudan, in this screen grab obtained from a handout video released on May 17. Photo: Sudanese Armed Forces / Handout via Reuters

Saudi- and US-sponsored talks in the Saudi city of Jeddah had until Saturday only resulted in a declaration of principles on May 12 but no change on the ground.

Aid groups have said they are unable to provide sufficient help in Khartoum, the capital, in the absence of safe passage and security guarantees for staff.

Earlier on Saturday, the US State Department said Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to army leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan about the Jeddah talks.

“In this step-by-step process, the Secretary urged flexibility and leadership,” spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x