Sudanese factions sign pledge to safeguard civilians, according to US.

Sudanese Army and Paramilitary Forces Agree to Protect Civilians

After months of clashes between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support forces, the two sides have agreed to sign a declaration affirming their commitment to protect civilians. This news comes from senior Biden administration officials who have been closely monitoring the situation.

The Toll of the Fighting

The fighting, which began in mid-April, has left civilians caught in the crossfire. The World Health Organization reports that over 600 people have been killed and more than 5,000 injured. Western countries, including the United States, have been evacuating embassy personnel and foreign nationals from the capital of Khartoum.

The Agreement

The agreement, concluded on Thursday, recognizes the obligations of both sides under international humanitarian and human rights law to facilitate humanitarian action to meet the needs of civilians. However, this is not a ceasefire. The next step will be a short-term ceasefire, not a permanent cessation of hostilities.

The administration hopes that this agreement will create momentum that will force the two sides to create space for relief efforts. While full compliance is not expected, the agreement is a step in the right direction.

American Citizens in Sudan

The Department of State reports that the U.S. government has assisted in the departure of nearly 1,000 American citizens since the beginning of the crisis. There are roughly 16,000 Americans in Sudan, many of whom are dual citizens. The Biden administration has warned that this number is inexact because the State Department does not track Americans living abroad.

Conclusion

The situation in Sudan remains tense, but this agreement is a positive development. It is important that both sides continue to work towards protecting civilians and creating space for relief efforts. The international community will be watching closely to ensure that progress is made.