Sudanese government declares nationwide cease-fire

By Mohammed Amin

KHARTOUM, Sudan (AA) - Sudanese government on Wednesday declared a cease-fire at all battle fronts in the country.

Abdul Fattah Alburhan, chairman of Sudan's newly created ruling Sovereign Council, issued a decree announcing the stopping of hostilities at all war zones.

This comes after rebels of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-Northern sector (SPLM-N) headed by Gen. Abdul Aziz Alhilu declared the suspension of talks with the government.

"The government forces including the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have attacked the civilians and ambushed some areas in Nuba Mountains. So far, two persons were killed; one of them is an SPLA soldier and other 16 persons were also abducted by the government forces," the SPLM-N said in a statement on Wednesday.

It vowed that the SPLM-N will not back the talks unless the government declares a nationwide cease-fire, investigate the attack, withdraw from the attacked areas and release all the prisoners arrested by the government forces.

Sudan's government and rebels began peace talks last Monday in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.