Trilateral Mechanism calls for creating conditions for civilians to seek safe shelter, food and medical care, says statement
KIGALI, Rwanda
The African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and UN appealed to Sudan’s warring sides Wednesday to create necessary conditions for civilians to seek critical services during a new temporary cease-fire.
At least 270 people have been killed and 2,600 others injured in armed clashes since Saturday between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group in the capital Khartoum and its surrounding areas.
Amid the crisis, humanitarians have warned that people are running out of vital supplies, including food and fuel.
The Trilateral Mechanism comprised of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), the African Union and IGAD, which was formed to coordinate efforts towards peace in Sudan, said it had noted the commitment by the SAF and RSF to implement a cease-fire for 24 hours effective from 6.00 p.m. (1600GMT) Wednesday.
“The Trilateral Mechanism appeals to all sides to create necessary conditions during this period for civilians to seek safe shelter, food and medical care,” it said in a statement.
The group reiterated its call for “an immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities” to spare innocent civilians in Sudan from any further violence.
Last Sunday, IGAD resolved to send Presidents Salva Kiir of South Sudan, William Ruto of Kenya and Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti at the earliest possible time to reconcile the protagonists.
On Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres discussed the crisis with Ruto and with the chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat.
Guterres will attend a virtual meeting on Thursday bringing together the African Union Chairperson, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, the executive secretary of IGAD and other relevant organizations to discuss ways the international community can help end the violence and restore order in Sudan, Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesman for the UN secretary general, told reporters in New York.
The violence has forced 16 hospitals across the country to close, nine in Khartoum alone, according to the World Health Organization.
