Saudi Arabia and the United States (US) have jointly called for a new cease-fire in Sudan, urging the warring parties to agree to and effectively implement it. The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which started in mid-April between the military led by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces commanded by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, has resulted in widespread violence and displacement.
The two countries have been engaged in mediation efforts between the conflicting parties for several weeks. On May 21, they successfully brokered a temporary cease-fire agreement to facilitate the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid. However, the military’s announcement on Wednesday that it would no longer participate in the cease-fire talks in Jeddah dealt a blow to these efforts.
Consequently, the United States and Saudi Arabia decided to suspend the talks due to repeated serious violations of the short-term cease-fire. In response, the Biden administration imposed sanctions on key Sudanese defense companies associated with the military and the Rapid Support Forces, as well as individuals contributing to the violence in Sudan.
In their joint statement issued on Sunday, Washington and Riyadh emphasized their continued engagement with representatives from the military and the Rapid Support Forces who remained in Jeddah. They called on the warring sides in Sudan to agree to and implement a new cease-fire, following the expiration of the previous one on Saturday. The ultimate goal is to establish a permanent cessation of hostilities in the war-torn country.
The statement highlighted the discussions’ focus on facilitating humanitarian assistance and reaching an agreement on the necessary steps both parties must take before resuming the talks. The conflict has ravaged Sudan, transforming its capital, Khartoum, and other urban areas into battlefields. Widespread looting and destruction of residential areas have occurred, forcing over 1.65 million people to flee to safer regions within Sudan and neighboring countries.
Furthermore, aid groups’ offices, healthcare facilities, and other civilian infrastructure have been attacked and looted, including the recent targeting of the World Food Program’s warehouses in Obeid. Disturbingly, reports of sexual violence, including the rape of women and girls, have emerged in Khartoum and the western Darfur region, which has experienced some of the most intense fighting. The majority of these incidents have been attributed to the Rapid Support Forces, who have not responded to requests for comment.
Recent reports indicate escalating clashes in Khartoum, Omdurman, Bahri, and the northern part of Darfur. Shelling, gunfire, and airstrikes have been reported, exacerbating the already dire situation. In the town of Kutum, North Darfur province, the fighting intensified, resulting in the destruction of the market, numerous houses, and a camp for displaced people. There are reports of significant civilian casualties.
Efforts to secure a lasting cease-fire and bring stability to Sudan are paramount. The international community must continue to support these mediation efforts to prevent further suffering and facilitate the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to the affected population.
