In Sudan, which was dragged into civil war, a 24-hour ceasefire was declared in the clashes between the army and the members of the Rapid Support Forces (HDK), which the army declared rebels. The Sudanese army announced that they will comply with the call for a 24-hour ceasefire proposed by the international parties as of 18:00 today.
185 PEOPLE LOSE LIVES
Volker Perthes, Special Representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General to Sudan, announced that 185 people lost their lives and more than 1800 civilians and soldiers were injured due to the clashes between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (HDK).
“END THE CONFLICT IMMEDIATELY”
Perthes answered questions from journalists at the UN building in New York via videoconference. Noting that the clashes that started on Saturday morning continue, Perthes said that they have reached a very short-term ceasefire agreement for a few hours to ensure that the Sudanese people meet their basic needs. “We call on both sides to immediately end the conflict and lift access to aid workers. Both sides must protect UN organizations, embassies and medical facilities. Very serious violations are taking place,” Perthes said. he had spoken.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Armed clashes broke out between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary HDK on the morning of April 15 in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, and in various cities. The disagreement between the army and the HDK regarding the military security reform, which envisages “the full participation of the HDK in the army,” had turned into a hot conflict in the last few months.
BEHIND THE CONFLICT IN SUDAN
Since the October 2021 coup, Sudan has been ruled by a council of generals, with two military officials at the center of the conflict. General Abdulfettah al-Burhan, head of the armed forces and de facto head of state of the country. His deputy is General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
As members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary force, and soldiers battle, clashes take place at key strategic points throughout the capital. The strength of the RSF greater than 100,000 poses a critical threat to the military. RSF is also accused of many human rights violations.
Announcing that the UN Security Council (UNSC) discussed the situation in Sudan in a closed session, Perthes said that he welcomed the Council’s written statement immediately after the conflict.
Perthes stated that it is important for the UNSC to preserve the unity it provides and expressed that he thinks the Council and some neighboring countries will use their influence to end the conflict.