United States Government has called on the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces who have intended to abide by a three-day Eid al-Fitr ceasefire to show commitment.
Secretary of State, Antony Blinken in a statement on Friday welcomed the announcements by both forces that they intend to abide by a three-day Eid al-Fitr ceasefire over the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Media Bypass News has earlier reported that the United Nations has appealed for three days ceasefire to mark Eid al-Fitr celebrations, which will allow civilians trapped in conflict zones to escape and seek medical treatment, food and other essential supplies.
In a meeting on Thursday, which brought together the UN delegates, the League of Arab States (IGAD), the European Union and representatives from a number of countries that are deeply committed to solving the crisis.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday that over 400 people had been killed including one US citizen and 3,551 injured in the ongoing fighting between the two main factions of the Sudanese ruling military regime.
It was reported that both forces announced a ceasefire early this morning after six days of fighting to coincide with the start of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr and to open humanitarian corridors to evacuate citizens.
While bombing and shelling was reported in several areas of the capital Khartoum after the 6am ceasefire was due to begin.
US Secretary who said he spoke with General Burhan and General Hemedti yesterday, following on their previous conversations, urged them both to commit to and abide by a ceasefire during this period.
“It is clear, however, that fighting is still continuing and there is serious mistrust between the two forces. The priority for all must be to end the suffering of civilians”, Blinken added.
He reiterated his call on both sides to pause the fighting to allow civilians to take care of themselves and their families, to permit full unimpeded humanitarian access, and to enable all civilians, including diplomatic personnel, to reach safety.
According to him, “First things first. With the pause in fighting, Sudan’s military and civilians leader must urgently begin negotiations on arrangements for a sustainable ceasefire to prevent further damage to the Sudanese nation.
“These negotiations should address delivery of humanitarian assistance; protection of civilians, including withdrawal of both forces from urban areas; security for vital health, water, power and communications and other infrastructure; and monitoring and verification.
Blinken reminded both belligerents of their obligations under international humanitarian law, including their obligation to respect all rights of civilians, adding that international community remains ready to support a process to bring an end to this fighting and a start to civilian government.
State Department Spokesman said in a briefing on Friday that United States has no higher priority than the safety and security of its personnel, their dependents, and the private citizens abroad.
US made it very clear to both sides that any attacks, threats, or dangers posed to its diplomats are totally unacceptable. “We continue to remain in close contact with our embassy in Khartoum and have full accountability of our personnel”.
According to him, “The Department of Defense announced yesterday through U.S. Africa Command, they are monitoring the situation and conducting prudent planning for various contingencies.
As a part of this, they are deploying additional capabilities nearby in the region for contingency purposes.
“Again, we’ve been monitoring the situation very closely and will continue to pay close attention as well. We have been in close consultation with our allies and partners on this, and we will continue to remain deeply engaged”, he said.
Meanwhile, US has advised Americans to not travel to Sudan since August 2021, and its embassy in Khartoum’s security alert on April 16th stated that due to the uncertain security situations in Khartoum and closure of the airport.
Americans should have no expectation of a U.S. government- coordinated evacuation at this time. It is imperative that U.S. citizens in Sudan make their own arrangements to stay safe in these difficult circumstances.