Al Burhan, Hemedti agree 10-day ceasefire

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have agreed 10 days ceasefire after they signed the Jeddah Declaration.

 “The Jeddah Declaration that resulted in a 10-day ceasefire in Sudan, IGAD seeks to work with regional partners to ensure that the truce does not only unravel but is also turned into a permanent cessation of hostilities,” the statement read in part.

The representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces signed a Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan on May 11 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The Declaration of Commitment recognises the obligations of both sides under international humanitarian and human rights law to facilitate humanitarian action to meet the emergency needs of civilians.

The Declaration of Commitment will guide the conduct of the two forces to enable the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance, the restoration of essential services, the withdrawal of forces from hospitals and clinics, and the respectful burial of the dead. The Jeddah Talks will focus on reaching an agreement on an effective ceasefire of up to approximately ten days to facilitate these activities

In a statement released on Monday by the South Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Monday, IGAD seeks to work with regional partners to ensure that the truce turns into a permanent ceasefire.

Also, President Salva Kiir had called for the implementation of the provision of the Jeddah Declaration in letter and spirit.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government of South Sudan would continue to engage Gen. Abdel Fatah Al Burhan, the Chairman of the Sovereignty Council and C-in-C of Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), and Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemeti), Leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).