KHARTOUM: Sudan’s warring parties have agreed to a seven-day truce starting May 4, according to a statement from the foreign ministry in Juba, South Sudan.
The announcement raises hopes for an end to weeks of bloodshed that have left hundreds dead and thousands wounded. Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his rival, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, have “agreed in principle” to the truce and to name representatives for peace talks to be held at a venue of their choice.
The move follows warnings of a potential “catastrophic” humanitarian crisis, with more than 430,000 people having fled their homes already.
Multiple truces have been agreed since fighting began on April 15 but have been repeatedly violated, leading to criticism from regional envoys.
Diplomatic efforts to end Sudan conflict
The announcement of the latest truce came as diplomatic efforts intensified to end the conflict, which began after a 2021 military coup that derailed Sudan’s transition to elective civilian rule.
While foreign governments have scrambled to evacuate their citizens, operations to bring thousands to safety by air or sea are now winding down.
The Darfur region remains scarred by a war that erupted in 2003, when then-President Omar al-Bashir unleashed the Janjaweed militia, mainly recruited from Arab pastoralist tribes, against ethnic minority rebels. The Janjaweed later evolved into the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
