Saudi Arabia, US Urge Sudan’s Warring Parties to Commit to Ceasefire

Smoke rises above buildings after aerial bombardment during clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum (File Photo: Reuters)
Smoke rises above buildings after aerial bombardment during clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum (File Photo: Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia, US Urge Sudan’s Warring Parties to Commit to Ceasefire

Smoke rises above buildings after aerial bombardment during clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum (File Photo: Reuters)
Smoke rises above buildings after aerial bombardment during clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum (File Photo: Reuters)

Saudi Arabia and the US urged Sudan’s warring parties to fully abide by their commitments under the agreement for a temporary humanitarian ceasefire to provide urgently needed humanitarian relief.

Riyadh and Washington reaffirmed the importance of the agreement on a short-term ceasefire and humanitarian arrangements in Sudan by the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

“After five weeks of continued conflict, the Sudanese people badly need the humanitarian assistance and restored essential services that the short-term ceasefire is intended to enable.”

The Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a statement Wednesday indicating that the facilitators noted with concern that neither side observed its commitment not to seek military advantage during the 48 hours after the agreement was signed and before it went into effect.

The statement noted that while fighting in Khartoum appeared to be less intense than in recent days, Saudi Arabia and the US "conveyed to the parties reports indicating that both sides violated the agreement, including offensive operations in Khartoum and El-Obeid, airstrikes, and use of artillery."

It noted that representatives on the Ceasefire Monitoring and Coordination committee in Jeddah engaged constructively on humanitarian assistance deliveries and engaged the respective warring sides to address “allegations of ceasefire violations as the Committee seeks to verify the reports.”

It asserted that preparations for humanitarian assistance movements to deliver lifesaving assistance are underway.

Saudi Arabia and the US reiterated their commitment to the Sudanese people who continue to suffer due to this devastating conflict.

As the conflict continues to impact many Sudanese, Saudi Arabia, and the US, the statement said, “demand that the parties fully abide by their commitments under this Agreement for a temporary humanitarian ceasefire to provide urgently needed humanitarian relief.”



GCC Welcomes Agreement between Yemen Govt, Houthis

Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
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GCC Welcomes Agreement between Yemen Govt, Houthis

Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi welcomed on Wednesday the agreement between the legitimate Yemeni government and Iran-backed Houthi militias to de-escalate the situation with regard to the Yemeni banking sector and airlines.

The agreement was announced by the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, on Tuesday.

Albudaiwi expressed the GCC's support for all regional and international efforts and the efforts led by the UN special envoy aimed at achieving peace and security in Yemen.

The announcement underscores the importance the international community attaches to the Yemeni crisis, he added, hoping the agreement will pave the way for Yemeni parties to start the political process, under UN auspices, to reach a comprehensive political solution that achieves security and stability in the country.

He reiterated the GCC's continued support and full solidarity with Yemen, its government and people, and its keenness to encourage all efforts to de-escalate and maintain stability in order to reach peace.