The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has urged warring parties in Sudan to immediately halt hostilities as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins.
IGAD’s Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, made the appeal via his X platform account, stating, “As Muslims around the world celebrate the month of Ramadan, I once again call on all parties in Sudan to implement an immediate cessation of hostilities.”
On Friday, the United Nations Security Council, through a UK-drafted resolution supported by 14 countries with Russia abstaining, called for a ceasefire in Sudan during Ramadan, urging “all parties to the conflict to seek a sustainable solution to the conflict through dialogue.”
Sudanese Sovereignty Council member, Yasser Al-Atta, stated on Sunday at a military event in Kassala state (east) that “There will be no truce in Ramadan unless the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) adhere to the Jeddah Agreement signed in May 2023, which includes vacating homes and civilian areas.”
The Sudanese military accuses the RSF of “occupying civilian homes and properties” in areas they control, particularly in the capital, Khartoum. Al-Atta, who also serves as the Assistant Army Commander, emphasized that “The state will negotiate to stop the war only when the rebellion (RSF) commits to implementing the outcomes of the Jeddah Agreement.”
Al-Atta called for the formation of a “war government to lead the state in finishing off the rebellion and reconstructing the country post-war.”
Saudi and US-sponsored talks between the Sudanese military and the RSF in May 2022 resulted in the first Jeddah agreement to protect civilians, despite multiple ceasefire agreements being violated by both sides, leading Riyadh and Washington to suspend negotiations.
Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a conflict between the military and the semi-military RSF, resulting in approximately 13,900 deaths and over 8 million displaced people and refugees, according to the United Nations.
