Fighting broke out again in Sudan despite the extension of the ceasefire

Eyewitnesses reported air strikes and mortar fire on the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. Since the outbreak of the power struggle between the army and the RSF, 512 people have been killed.

Fighting between warring parties in Sudan broke out again after a short time despite the ceasefire agreement. On Thursday, eyewitnesses said that air strikes and gunfire were heard in the Sudanese capital Khartoum and the nearby cities of Omdurman and Bahri. The army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces announced earlier on Thursday that the ceasefire would be extended for 72 hours, starting at midnight.

The cease-fire was brokered by the United States and Saudi Arabia. Thousands of civilians managed to escape, many to neighboring Egypt to the north. Several countries have evacuated their citizens and other people by plane from the country of crisis.

Demand for humanitarian access

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote on Twitter that the US welcomed the announcement of extending the ceasefire in Sudan for another 72 hours. “Together with international and regional partners, we call on the parties to pledge to end the fighting and ensure unimpeded humanitarian access.”

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly also confirmed on Twitter the extension of the ceasefire in Sudan. The UK calls for its full implementation by the generals. British evacuation flights are under way. All UK nationals wishing to leave the country must make their way to the airport as soon as possible to ensure their safety.

Fighting broke out in Sudan on April 15 in the context of a power struggle between the army and the Rapid Support militia. Since then, at least 512 people have been killed, nearly 4,200 injured, and hospitals destroyed. Food distribution is restricted. A third of the population of 46 million people depend on humanitarian aid.

(APA / Reuters / dpa)