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Key Points

Sudan's army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan has agreed to a week-long ceasefire in El Fasher following a request from UN chief Antonio Guterres. The city remains under siege by the Rapid Support Forces, causing dire shortages for its 1.5 million residents. This marks a rare pause in fighting that has displaced millions since April 2023. El Fasher is the last major Darfur city not fully controlled by the RSF.

Key Points: Sudan's Al-Burhan Agrees to El Fasher Truce After UN Request

  • Al-Burhan accepts UN ceasefire request amid RSF siege
  • El Fasher faces severe shortages with 800,000 displaced
  • Conflict between SAF and RSF has displaced millions
  • City remains last Darfur capital outside RSF control
2 min read

Sudan's army chief agrees to one-week humanitarian truce in El Fasher

Sudanese army chief accepts UN-brokered ceasefire in besieged El Fasher amid critical shortages and ongoing conflict with RSF forces.

"The UN Secretary-General called for a one-week humanitarian truce in El Fasher to support relief efforts – Sudan's Sovereignty Council"

Khartoum, June 27

Chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, has agreed to a one-week humanitarian truce in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State in western Sudan, the council announced on Friday.

Al-Burhan, also the head of Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), agreed to a request for a ceasefire from United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during a phone call earlier on Friday, the Sovereignty Council said in a statement.

"The UN Secretary-General called for a one-week humanitarian truce in El Fasher to support relief efforts and ensure aid reaches thousands of civilians trapped in the city, a proposal that the head of the Sovereignty Council accepted," the statement said.

Al-Burhan also stressed the importance of implementing UN Security Council resolutions that demand an end to the Rapid Support Forces' (RSF) siege on El Fasher, Xinhua news agency reported. The RSF has been imposing a blockage on El Fasher since May 2024, including daily shelling and intense urban battles involving both the RSF and the SAF. The blockage has led to critical shortages of essential goods and medical supplies.

El Fasher serves as a major administrative hub for the Darfur region, which comprises five states. It is the only state capital in Darfur that remains outside RSF control.

The city, which hosts three camps for displaced persons including Abu Shouk, Zamzam and Al-Salam, is home to around 1.5 million people, with 800,000 internally displaced, according to UN figures.

Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal conflict between the SAF and the RSF since April 2023. The war has killed tens of thousands and forced millions to flee their homes, both within Sudan and across its borders.

- IANS

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P
Priya K.
This is a welcome step but one week is too short. The UN should push for at least a month-long ceasefire. India has always supported humanitarian causes globally - we should offer medical aid through our existing UN peacekeeping presence in the region. 🙏
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Rahul S.
While the truce is good, what about the 800,000 displaced people? India has experience handling large refugee crises. Maybe our government can share best practices with Sudan through diplomatic channels. The situation there reminds me of our own partition trauma.
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Arjun M.
The international community needs to do more than just temporary ceasefires. Where is the pressure on both sides to come to the negotiating table? India should use its non-aligned position to mediate - we have good relations with African nations.
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Neha P.
Heartbreaking to read about the medical supply shortages. India is the pharmacy of the world - can't we send emergency medical aid? Our government helped during COVID, why not now? Every life matters, whether in Sudan or anywhere else.
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Vikram J.
The UN needs to ensure this ceasefire is actually implemented on ground. Too often these agreements are violated immediately. India should push for stronger monitoring mechanisms - maybe through our UNSC position. The people of Sudan deserve real peace, not just words.

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