Global Courant 2023-05-12 13:23:32
Sudan’s warring military factions sign a commitment to respect humanitarian principles in their escalating conflict.
This is the situation on Friday, May 12, 2023:
To fight
After six days of talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sudan’s warring factions have committed to protecting civilians and humanitarian aid, but have failed to agree a ceasefire and remain far apart, according to officials of the United States. A statement from the US State Department said the parties would focus on reaching a deal for an effective ceasefire of up to 10 days. The Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) agreed to “subsequently schedule extensive talks to reach a final cessation of hostilities”. Halfaya, a gateway to the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, was shaken by clashes on Thursday. Residents reported hearing fighter jets circling over Khartoum, Khartoum North and the adjoining town of Omdurman, but the fighting seemed calmer than the previous day.
We are pleased to announce that representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces have signed a statement of commitment recognizing the obligation to facilitate humanitarian action to address the emergency needs of civilians in Sudan.
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) May 12, 2023
Humanitarian situation
At least 18 humanitarian workers have been killed since the war began on April 15, with many NGOs and United Nations agencies suspending work at least temporarily. Millions of dollars worth of food has been looted in Khartoum, according to the UN’s World Food Programme. The World Health Organization has said more than 600 people have been killed and 5,000 injured in the fighting. The health ministry said at least 450 people were killed in the western Darfur region. According to UN figures, many have fled Khartoum and Darfur, leaving 700,000 internally displaced and 150,000 refugees entering neighboring countries.
Diplomacy
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said on Twitter that the talks and commitment to protect civilians were a first step and “other steps will follow”. “The most important thing is to stick to what has been agreed, and the Kingdom will work until security and stability return to Sudan and its brotherly people,” the Saudi minister said. A senior US State Department official said the statement signed on Friday aims to improve the flow of humanitarian aid and begin restoration of water and electricity services. Western countries convicted violations by both sides at a human rights meeting in Geneva, but the Sudanese envoy there said the conflict was “an internal matter”.
