Sudan’s government forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have agreed to a seven-day ceasefire following recent days of violence that reportedly left over 400 people dead. This is the latest attempt to broker a truce, preceded by failures to agree. The dialogue preceding the accord took place between Sudan-based factions in the Saudi city of Jeddah, attended by US and Saudi officials. The ceasefire is set to start at 9:45 pm local time on 17 July, succeeding a 48-hour notification period, during which neither party can attempt to gain “military advantage.”
If the ceasefire proves effective, authorities may renew it. Also, a committee consisting of three members from each side, plus three US and three Saudi representatives, will oversee and coordinate the ceasefire. The US State Department declared that it will work with Sudanese civilians and regional and international partners to establish a committee to monitor the negotiation, implementation, and eventual cessation of hostilities (and humanitarian arrangements) in the country.
The ongoing fighting that forced evacuations of foreign nationals and resulted in the death of over 400 represents a dispute over control of Sudan. The agreement aims to stop the violence in the Nuba Mountains region, which has displaced approximately 200,000 people, creating a state of dire humanitarian need. Aid agencies are currently blocked from the region.
The uniqueness of this agreement lies in that it is signed by both sides, with its implementation supervised by a joint committee of international and local stakeholders. The RSF, which has been accused of human rights abuses and atrocities committed during attacks on Sudanese civilians, maintains close ties to Saudi Arabia. These allegations have led to calls for the RSF’s dissolution.
Previous ceasefires have faltered because both sides have been accused of violations. The international community has repeatedly called for a peaceful resolution to the Sudan crisis. Nevertheless, this latest truce offers new hope for a better future for Sudan’s people, who are the primary victims of the ongoing conflict.
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