Faction agree temporary ceasefire to evacuate wounded

KHARTOUM, Sudan

Sudan's Rapid Support Forces Commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo has announced a 24-hour ceasefire after talks with U.S secretary Antony Blinken.

The 24-hour armistice, according to the Rapid Support Forces Commander, is to ensure the safe passage of civilians and the evacuation of the wounded. 

"Following a conversation with U.S. Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken and outreach by other friendly nations similarly calling for a temporary ceasefire. The RSF reaffirms its approval of a 24 HR armistice," Dagalo said on Tuesday.

However, Dagalo has revealed that his rival, the leader of Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has failed to honor the ceasefire request.

He states that Al-Burhan has been bombing densely populated areas from the air and endangering civilian lives.

"These actions are a flagrant violation of the foundations and principles of international and humanitarian law," Dagalo said.

It has been noted that the two rival groups had been fighting before the 2019 uprising that ousted Omar-Al-Bashir who ruled the country for 30 years.

They have had long-running disputes revolving around their personal gains and competition after Bashir's ouster.

In the latest development, which could have triggered the fight between the two, is the signing of the Framework Agreement establishing the transitional period on December 5, 2022.

The Framework stated that the Army will quit politics and hand over power to civilians.

Sudan experienced a clash on Saturday live on TV in Khartoum, following a power struggle between the rival groups.

 According to reports, they were deployed around the country but it is not clear who fired the shot on Saturday morning.

More than 100 people have been reported dead while 1,100 have been injured following the unrest in the country.

In addition, the RSF commander emphasized that his people remain committed to the directives issued on Monday morning.

"However, we await further discussions with the U.S. secretary of state on how to best address these violations," Dagalo added.