Month: April 2023

The clashes between the Sudanese army and a paramilitary group have been going on since April 15 (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

The two sides clashing for control of Sudan have agreed to a further three-day humanitarian ceasefire.

Paramilitary group the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese army accused each other of violations after multiple reports of violence during the initial 72-hour break in fighting agreed earlier this week.

The latest agreement comes after international pressure to allow the safe passage of civilians, as aid groups struggle to get badly needed supplies into the country.

Earlier on Sunday, an aircraft carrying eight tons of emergency medical aid landed in Sudan to resupply hospitals devastated by the fighting, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which organised the shipment.

The initial ceasefire also allowed countries around the world to step up efforts to evacuate their citizens.

More than 2,100 people have been lifted out of the north-east African country on 23 flights organised by the British Government.

It had been announced that the operation would come to an end yesterday, but today the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) announced it would run an extra flight tomorrow.

The department said it will allow for the evacuation of a limited number of UK nationals who remain in the North African country.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: ‘The UK has now airlifted over 2,100 people to safety from Sudan, in what has been the largest and longest evacuation of any western country.

‘I want to thank all of those working to deliver this evacuation and ensure as many people as possible are brought to safety.

‘Evacuation flights have ended from Wadi Saeedna but our rescue efforts continue from Port Sudan. We continue to do everything in our power to secure a long-term ceasefire, a stable transition to civilian rule and an end the violence in Sudan.’

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