What's happened
Sudan's RSF has agreed to a US and Arab-backed humanitarian ceasefire amid ongoing clashes with the military. Despite the announcement, fighting continues in key regions like Darfur and Khartoum, with reports of violence, displacement, and international concern over potential atrocities. The situation remains volatile as negotiations continue.
What's behind the headline?
The RSF's recent agreement to a ceasefire signals a potential shift in Sudan's ongoing conflict, yet the situation remains fragile. The military's conditions—withdrawal from civilian areas and disarmament—highlight the deep mistrust between parties. International actors, including the US and Arab states, are leveraging diplomatic pressure, but the likelihood of sustained peace depends on the military and RSF's willingness to compromise. The ongoing violence, especially in Darfur, underscores the risk of atrocities and the urgent need for effective humanitarian intervention. The international community's focus on this ceasefire may be a strategic move to prevent further escalation and atrocities, but the real test will be whether both sides adhere to the terms and prioritize civilian safety. The potential for further displacement and humanitarian crises remains high, and the situation could deteriorate if negotiations falter.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that the RSF agreed to a ceasefire, but fighting persists in Darfur and Khartoum, with ongoing violence and displacement. Al Jazeera highlights the continued clashes despite the ceasefire announcement, noting that both sides remain entrenched in their positions and conditions. AP News emphasizes the military's cautious stance, demanding RSF withdrawal and disarmament before fully committing, while also reporting on recent drone attacks targeting Atbara and Omdurman. The conflicting narratives reflect the complex, fragile nature of the peace process, with international actors trying to mediate amid ongoing violence and humanitarian crises. The UN's emergency session and reports of mass graves in Darfur underscore the severity of the situation, contrasting the diplomatic efforts with the brutal realities on the ground.
How we got here
The conflict in Sudan escalated in 2023 when tensions erupted between the military and the RSF, former allies tasked with overseeing a transition to civilian rule after the 2019 uprising. The fighting has resulted in thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and severe humanitarian crises, especially in Darfur. Multiple ceasefire attempts have failed, but recent negotiations have led to a tentative agreement for a humanitarian truce, supported by the US and Arab nations, amid international pressure and ongoing violence.
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