72-hour ceasefire takes effect in Sudan

KABUL (Pajhwok): A ceasefire went into effect in Sudan on Monday, with the warring sides abiding by it, the BBC reported.

It is at least the third suspension of fighting since violence erupted this month, but the others did not hold.

The Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) agreed to halt fighting after 48 hours of talks, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was quoted as saying.

Before the 72-hour suspension of fighting began today, 400 people have lost their lives since April 15. Both sides confirmed the ceasefire.

UN Secretary General António Guterres has warned the violence in Sudan risks causing a “catastrophic conflagration” that could engulf the whole region and beyond.

Inhabitants of the capital Khartoum have been asked to stay indoors, amid declining food and water supplies. The truce may help civilians leave the city.

Tens of thousands of people are said to have fled because of the unrest in the troubled African country, ruled by a council of generals since a 2021 coup.

PAN Monitor/mud