Consultations in Jeddah to Consolidate Truce in Sudan, Open Humanitarian Corridors

Smoke rises over a neighborhood in Khartoum as a result of clashes (AFP)
Smoke rises over a neighborhood in Khartoum as a result of clashes (AFP)
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Consultations in Jeddah to Consolidate Truce in Sudan, Open Humanitarian Corridors

Smoke rises over a neighborhood in Khartoum as a result of clashes (AFP)
Smoke rises over a neighborhood in Khartoum as a result of clashes (AFP)

The envoy of the President of the Sudanese Sovereignty Council, Ambassador Daffallah Al-Hajj, announced that a delegation from the Sudanese army will participate in the scheduled consultations in Jeddah on stabilizing the truce and opening humanitarian corridors, along with representatives of the Rapid Support Forces.

 

However, Hajj stressed that the consultations would not include any talks on a political solution.

 

The Rapid Support Forces did not confirm their participation in the consultations, while sources said that they had identified three representatives to participate in the talks.

 

Meanwhile, the commander of the Rapid Support Forces, Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), said on Friday that Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry expressed, during a telephone call, Cairo’s willingness to provide assistance to his country.

 

Hemedti tweeted that Shoukry called him by phone and discussed with him “issues related to the current crisis ... and local, regional and international initiatives aimed at finding a comprehensive solution.”

 

Meanwhile, a document showed on Friday that a group of countries was preparing to request an urgent meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Sudanese crisis next week, in a move that human rights activists hope will increase scrutiny of the warring parties’ abuses.

 

The letter, dated May 5, showed that Britain, the United States, Germany and Norway are expected to ask the council president to hold a meeting to discuss the outbreak of violence in Sudan since April 15.

Diplomats told Reuters they had the support of at least a third of the council’s 47 members, according to council rules.

 

The clashes continued in Sudan on Friday despite the truce that the two conflicting military sides pledged to abide by, and the US threats to impose sanctions.

 

Since April 15, fighting between the army led by Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the RSF has resulted in about 700 deaths and thousands of injuries.

 

Among the dead were children in “terrifyingly large numbers,” according to the United Nations, in a country where 49 percent of the population is under the age of 18.



Saudi Interior Ministry Warns Expatriates of SAR50,000 Fine for Visa Overstays

The ministry emphasized the importance of adhering to the Kingdom’s official Hajj and Umrah guidelines and instructions. (SPA)
The ministry emphasized the importance of adhering to the Kingdom’s official Hajj and Umrah guidelines and instructions. (SPA)
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Saudi Interior Ministry Warns Expatriates of SAR50,000 Fine for Visa Overstays

The ministry emphasized the importance of adhering to the Kingdom’s official Hajj and Umrah guidelines and instructions. (SPA)
The ministry emphasized the importance of adhering to the Kingdom’s official Hajj and Umrah guidelines and instructions. (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday that expatriates who fail to leave the Kingdom after their entry visas expire may face a fine of up to SAR50,000, imprisonment for up to six months, and deportation.

The ministry emphasized the importance of adhering to the Kingdom’s official Hajj and Umrah guidelines and instructions.

Earlier this month, the ministry announced several arrangements and procedures aimed at allowing pilgrims to perform the Hajj rituals safely and smoothly.

It set April 29 as the final day for Umrah visa holders to leave the Kingdom.

Starting Wednesday, residents within the Kingdom wishing to enter Makkah will be required to obtain permits from the relevant authorities.

Residents without proper permits will be barred from entering the city and returned to their original destination.