Sudan’s warring sides ‘agree seven-day truce’ from May 4

The warring parties in Sudan have agreed to a seven-day truce, according to an official statement issued by South Sudan’s foreign ministry in Juba on Tuesday (local time).

The warring groups agreed to a seven-day truce from May 4 to 11 over the phone with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

“The two principals, General Abdel Fatah Al Burhan, the Chairman of the Sovereign Council and Commander in Chief of Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo Leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have agreed in principle for a seven-day truce from May 4th to 11th. They also agreed to name their representatives to the talks,” the statement read.

During the phone call, South Sudan’s President emphasised the need of extending the truce and naming representatives to peace negotiations to be conducted at an agreed-upon location.

Sudan is still experiencing bloodshed as a result of battles between the army and paramilitary forces, according to this statement.

“President Salva Kiir, who is the team leader of the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State tasked with consultations with the Sudanese leaders, has urged the Sudanese leaders to name their representatives and propose a date to commence the talks as soon as possible,” the statement read.

“The rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Khartoum makes it imperative for the leaders to de-escalate, President Kiir told the Sudanese leaders. While expressing his appreciation to General Al Burhan and General Dagalo for heeding regional and international calls for a ceasefire, President Kiir urged them to take advantage of the 7-day truce to name representatives and propose the date for beginning the talks,” the statement added.

In accordance with the President of South Sudan’s efforts, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International has maintained contact with his regional and international peers.

The Acting Minister met with Egypt’s, Uganda’s, Kenya’s, and Canada’s Foreign Ministers, as well as the British Minister of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, to discuss the ceasefire, cessation of hostilities, humanitarian situation, and evacuation of affected Sudanese and foreign nationals, as well as coordination efforts at various levels.

The President also spoke with the Regional Director of the World Food Programme, which has recently resumed operations in the nation, about the humanitarian situation.

“The Government continues to engage with the leadership of the Republic of Sudan to explore the prospects of narrowing the gap between the two parties in the hope to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and cessation of hostilities that can pave the way for an amicable political settlement. South Sudan also welcomes assistance from its International Partners in helping the People of the Republic of Sudan, especially with the anticipated influx of refugees, returnees and foreign nationals entering South Sudan,” the statement read.