Sudan’s army has issued a tough condition for a ceasefire in the holy month of Ramadan, demanding that the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) withdraw from civilian areas.
The army’s deputy commander, General Yasser al-Atta, said on Sunday that there would be no truce unless the RSF complied with a previous agreement made in Saudi Arabia and the United States to vacate public facilities and homes occupied by force.
He also ruled out any future role for the RSF leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, in the country’s politics or military.
The RSF, which has been accused of war crimes and human rights violations, said it welcomed the call for a ceasefire by the United Nations Security Council, but blamed the army for rejecting its offer to release 537 prisoners of war.
A nation in crisis
The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023, when the army and the RSF clashed over a plan to transition to civilian rule after they jointly staged a coup in 2021 that toppled former dictator Omar al-Bashir.
The fighting has devastated the capital Khartoum and other parts of the country, especially the western region of Darfur, where the RSF has its roots and support base.
According to the UN, nearly 25 million people – half of Sudan’s population – need humanitarian assistance and protection. More than 7.4 million people have been displaced by the violence, either within Sudan or in neighboring countries, making it the largest displacement crisis in the world.
Children have been particularly affected, with close to 4 million of them forced to flee their homes and schools. Many have also been recruited by armed groups or subjected to sexual violence and exploitation.
A glimmer of hope
Despite the grim situation, some Sudanese still hope for peace and stability in their country.
In Omdurman, part of the wider capital where the army has recently regained some ground from the RSF, residents have returned to their damaged homes and shops, hoping to rebuild their lives and celebrate Ramadan.
“We want to work as youth with official bodies to bring back our families, and to hopefully start fasting for the month of Ramadan in our homes,” said Mohamed Abdel Rahman, a resident.
The international community has also stepped up its efforts to end the conflict and support the humanitarian response.
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged both parties to observe a Ramadan truce and resume dialogue for a peaceful and democratic transition.
The US, which has imposed sanctions on both the army and the RSF leaders, has also called for an immediate ceasefire and accountability for the atrocities committed.
Meanwhile, several regional and global actors, including the African Union, the European Union, China, Russia, and Turkey, have offered to mediate between the warring factions and facilitate a political solution.
As Ramadan begins, many Sudanese pray that this holy month will bring not only spiritual blessings but also a chance for peace and reconciliation in their war-torn nation.
Source: Reuters
