Saudi Arabia and the US have noted improved respect for the agreement on a short-term ceasefire and humanitarian arrangements in Sudan and urged the warring sides to adhere to their obligations under the deal.
“Although there was observed use of military aircraft and isolated gunfire in Khartoum, the situation improved from May 24 when the ceasefire monitoring mechanism detected significant breaches of the agreement,” Saudi Arabia and the US said in a joint statement in their capacity as facilitators of the ceasefire.
“Those included observed use of artillery and military aircraft and drones, credible reports of airstrikes, sustained fighting in the heart of the Khartoum Industrial Area, and clashes in Zalingei, Darfur.”
“Following the serious violations of May 24, the facilitators engaged the parties, highlighting that the resurgent fighting had endangered civilians, obstructed humanitarian assistance and prevented restoration of essential services, undercutting the ceasefire’s principal aims,” said the statement.
Riyadh and Washington cautioned the warring sides against further violations and implored them to improve respect for the ceasefire on May 25, which they did.
“On May 25, humanitarian actors delivered some urgently needed medical supplies to several locations in Sudan. In addition, maintenance crews were able to make repairs to begin restoring telecommunications services in Khartoum and other areas of Sudan,” the statement said.
The facilitators urged the parties to carry forward the positive progress of May 25 for the remainder of the short-term ceasefire and uphold their commitments under the May 11 Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan.
“Both parties must put the needs of the Sudanese people first and abide by the terms they agreed to,” they said.
The Kingdom and the United States implored the warring sides to adhere to their obligations under the ceasefire agreement and take the steps necessary to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and restoration of essential services.
