Sudan War: A 72-ceasefire deal between Dagalo and al-Burhan set to end midnight
The Intergovernmental Organization on Development (IGAD) has called for the extension of the ceasefire deal in Sudan, even as sounds of gunfire were reported in some parts of Khartoum Thursday morning.
The existing 72-hour ceasefire agreed last Tuesday between the national army and Rapid Support Forces, the two warring sides in the ongoing conflict in Sudan is set to expire at midnight today.
Countries are currently in a race against time to evacuate their nationals as the deadline approaches.
China, for example, has deployed naval vessels to evacuate more than 800 people before the ceasefire is due to end tonight.
China is Sudan’s biggest trading partner, with many nationals working in the construction and energy sectors.
Rescue operations by a number of countries have intensified since the truce began on Tuesday.
Neighbouring countries like South Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Egypt, and Chad have been receiving refugees as tens of thousands of Sudanese nationals flee the violence and insecurity in their countries.
South Sudan, for example, continues to receive in excess of 6,000 people per day, authorities said.
Aid agencies are calling for urgent humanitarian assistance for the refugees.
Many have been displaced not just by the fighting but also by shortages of water, food, and other vital supplies in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, and the near collapse of the city’s health system, the BBC reported.