Many Sudanese people are questioning the effectiveness of “truces” after ten announcements of “humanitarian ceasefires” since the outbreak of the conflict in mid-April.
These ceasefires were signed by the warring parties, the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and were mediated by Saudi Arabia and the US.
The two parties agreed to nine of the truces, but they were quickly violated, except for the one-day ceasefire and the recent three-day ceasefire, during which a partial commitment to the ceasefire was achieved.
Many observers believe that the periods of ceasefire are being exploited by both parties to prepare for upcoming battles.
After more than a week of fierce fighting, Saudi-US mediation announced a three-day ceasefire that was not adhered to. Subsequently, the two parties agreed to a second ceasefire and a declaration of a humanitarian ceasefire, which included a cessation of all hostilities.
This 72-hour ceasefire lasted from the evening of June 18 to June 21, with the aim of delivering humanitarian aid to the civilians. However, numerous media reports indicated that the aid did not reach those in need.
According to political analyst Aljameel Al-Fadil, the documented record of repeated violations may pave the way for international military intervention under Chapter VII or otherwise.
He added that this very record could serve international justice and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Al-Fadil did not rule out the possibility of international intervention based on these circumstances, whether through an African or international decision.
“Unfortunately, the objectives of the ceasefires have not been achieved, whether it is regarding humanitarian aid or the evacuation of military presence from vital facilities by the RSF,” said Altahir Satti, a pro-army journalist.
“The displacement of people’s homes is another unfulfilled aspect,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Satti goes on to say that even though the primary beneficiary of the truces should be the citizens, they are regrettably the ones suffering most because of the ceasefire.
“It allows military forces to redeploy and continue their looting and theft operations carried out by the militias of the RSF,” he explained.