Introduction

A Saudi-American communiqué, released today, Sunday, states that the two sides in conflict in Sudan have violated the armistice, which has prevented the arrival of humanitarian aid, and have also used military aircraft and drones, indicating that the violation of the armistice in Sudan has included the occupation of civilian homes, businesses private and public buildings.

Violation of Armistice

The statement noted that snipers were being monitored in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces and elements of the Sudanese military had seized medical supplies in two structures, noting that Saudi Arabia and America have asked the two sides in conflict in Sudan to extend armistice despite failure to fully comply with it.

Text of the Saudi-American Statement

The text of the statement released by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America reads as follows:

Examples of Violations

For example, in in violation of the ban on airstrikes, and the use of military aircraft or drones, SAF military aircraft flew daily during the ceasefire, including a confirmed May 27 airstrike in Khartoum that killed two people and another airstrike that same day, damaged the Sudanese currency printing press.

The encroachment into civilian areas by RSF continued, including the occupation of civilian homes, businesses private and public buildings. There have been confirmed cases of looting of homes and businesses by RSFs in those areas.

Both sides launched attacks, moving troops, weapons, and other resources. For example, the Sudanese Armed Forces have launched several attacks in the area of Sikkat al-Omleh and rapid support forces moved large forces to Jisr Halfaya, apparently in preparing for an imminent attack on Wadi Sedna Air Base.

Prohibited Acts

Both sides informed the facilitators that they are committed to facilitating humanitarian assistance and restoring basic services for the benefit of the Sudanese people. However, the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces have committed prohibited acts which have hampered these efforts.

On May 26, humanitarian workers in seeking access to hospitals and other infrastructure have noticed snipers in RSF-controlled territory. On May 24, elements of the Sudanese Armed Forces seized medical supplies from two different facilities that had been delivered at the same time.

Escalation of Tensions

On May 25, money, fuel, and two vehicles from a humanitarian convoy were stolen, one in an area between the SAF and the RSF and the other in an area controlled by the RSF. The maintenance staff was not in unable to access basic infrastructure facilities to carry out repairs due to the presence of armed actors in these structures and the heavy fighting nearby. Both sides are positioned for further escalation.

Call for Ceasefire

The facilitators believe that the cessation of SAF airstrikes, the withdrawal of rapid support forces from urban areas, and an end to attacks against humanitarian actors would facilitate the delivery of much-needed assistance to the Sudanese. Recognizing that the current ceasefire has not been fully respected, we urged both sides to agree to extend it, even if not fully respected, to allow more time for humanitarian actors to do this vital work.