KHARTOUM: Despite the recent extension of a humanitarian truce, fighting has resumed in Sudan, further exacerbating the dire situation faced by besieged civilians. The army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had agreed to prolong the ceasefire by five days, as announced by US and Saudi mediators late Monday.
However, clashes with various weapons have been reported in southern Khartoum and the state capital of South Darfur, Nyala, since the extension was declared.
Analyst Rashid Abdi highlighted the disconnect between the diplomatic negotiations in Jeddah and the reality on the ground, stating that there is no ceasefire in Sudan. Although the truce had been imperfectly observed, mediators believed that the extension would allow for further humanitarian efforts to take place.
The war in Sudan has resulted in the loss of over 1,800 lives, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. More than a million people have been internally displaced, and nearly 350,000 have sought refuge in neighboring countries, as reported by the United Nations. The capital city, with a population of over five million, has seen widespread looting and street combat, forcing around 700,000 residents to flee.
Fighting Hampering Aid Operations in Sudan
While the warring parties have committed to multiple truces since the conflict began in mid-April, the delivery of aid has been slow. Sudan has become one of the highest-alert areas for food insecurity, with over 25 million people in need of aid and protection, including 13.6 million children.
The collapse of the already struggling economy has further aggravated the situation, leaving hospitals without necessary supplies and districts without essential services like water and electricity.
The delivery of food and medicine to conflict areas has been hampered by ongoing fighting, blocked staff and transport, and customs delays. Although some aid has reached its intended destinations since the truce began, the quantities delivered have been limited. Foreign diplomatic facilities have been abandoned and looted, and attacks on foreign nationals have prompted mass evacuations.
The situation is particularly dire in Darfur, where civilians continue to be targeted, districts have been razed, and tens of thousands have fled to Chad. The conflict in Darfur has also involved local militias, tribal fighters, and armed civilians, leading to fears of a descent into total civil war.
