At least the US and British defense ministries have said that they have made preparations so that the personnel of the countries’ embassies can be taken to Sudan for safety if necessary.
In Sudan, the paramilitary RSF forces said in a press release published on Friday evening that the RSF is ready to open all Sudanese airports at least partially. According to the release, the purpose of the decision is to allow other countries to evacuate their citizens from Sudan.
According to the Reuters news agency, it is unclear to what extent the RSF controls the country’s airports.
The Sudanese army and RSF forces have been fighting since last Saturday. Since Friday, there has been a loose ceasefire between the two sides.
The Sudanese army announced on Friday that it would agree to a three-day ceasefire to allow the country to celebrate the Eid al-Fitr festival, which ends the Muslim fasting period. RSF had previously proposed a ceasefire for the Eid al-Fitr celebration.
At least the US and British defense ministries have said that they have made preparations so that the personnel of the countries’ embassies can be taken to safety if necessary.
Several countries have been looking for ways to evacuate their citizens. So far, it has been too risky to start evacuations, as the two sides have been fighting in Khartoum and elsewhere in Sudan. The fiercest battles have been fought over the control of airports.
The high-ranking general promised to commit to civilian administration
A high-ranking general commented on Friday that the Sudanese army is committed to a civilian-led administration. Army Chief General Abdel Fattah Burhan apparently sought international support with his statement, even as army forces battle a rival paramilitary group in a bloody power struggle.
Burhan’s speech on Friday was the first since the conflict between the two sides broke out a week ago. In his speech, Burhan promised that the army would win and ensure the safe transition of the state to civilian rule.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has spoken with both sides, said he was pleased with the latest attempt to start a ceasefire. At the same time, he admitted that the fighting continues, and that there is deep distrust between the parties.
– I repeat my call to both sides for a ceasefire so that civilians can take care of themselves and their families, so that humanitarian aid can reach the area fully and unimpeded, and so that all civilians, including diplomats, can get to safety, Blinken said in his statement.
Sources: AP, Reuters, STT