Temporary truce in Sudan potential lifesaver for civilians: Red Cross

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - A reported temporary cease-fire in Sudan is a potential lifesaver for civilians "who have been trapped in their homes without the ability to access food, clean water, and medical care," the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Tuesday.

Over the previous week, street fights and the use of large explosive weapons in the capital Khartoum have had a terrible impact on citizens and key infrastructure, causing many to flee or seek refuge, the ICRC said in a statement.

"Khartoum is a densely populated city of millions. When heavy explosive weapons are used, street corners become battlefields, and civilians pay the greatest price," said Patrick Youssef, the ICRC’s regional director for Africa.

"We welcome the reports of a cease-fire and urge the international community to help find a durable political solution to end the bloodshed," Youssef added.

He noted that this cease-fire must be implemented across the chain of command and must be sustained in order to provide genuine relief to people affected by the conflict.

As medical professionals cannot get to work and supplies are running low, the hospitals are increasingly unable to care for patients, the ICRC said, adding that violence in other parts of the country, such as Darfur, has resulted in civilian casualties and increased humanitarian needs as well.

It urged the parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.

"The parties must take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian injuries and loss of life. Critical civilian infrastructure like hospitals and the energy network must also be protected," Youssef said. "This is not optional. These are legal obligations."

The organization reiterated its commitment to assisting those in need and asking the sides for guarantees to move safely for humanitarian purposes.

According to the statement, ICRC's "top priority" is to increase assistance to hospitals and to help ensure that communities have access to clean water.

At least 459 people have died and 4,072 have been injured due to weeks of armed conflict in Sudan's capital Khartoum, according to the Sudan representative of the World Health Organization.

On April 15, fighting erupted between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum and its surroundings.

A disagreement had been fomenting in recent months between the army and the paramilitaries over military security reform. The reform envisages full RSF participation in the military, one of the main issues in negotiations by international and regional parties for a transition to civilian, democratic rule in Sudan.