Fragile calm in Khartoum as ceasefire takes effect

June 18, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – A sense of cautious calm settled over Khartoum as a three-day ceasefire agreement came into effect on Sunday morning, signalling a temporary respite from the recent wave of violence.

Following the expiration of a one-day truce, clashes reignited between the army and the Rapid Support Forces last Sunday.

Eyewitnesses confirmed to Sudan Tribune that a noticeable shift in the capital was evident. The familiar sound of warplanes roaring above the capital’s skies was absent, while the relentless artillery bombardment ceased for the first time in a week.

As the ceasefire holds precariously, residents of Khartoum remain cautiously optimistic, hoping for an extended period of stability and peace.

There are concerns that the army and the RSF could exploit the ceasefire agreement to mobilize additional troops and provide them with military equipment, suggesting that future battles may escalate in intensity compared to previous clashes.

Significant portions of houses and buildings in Khartoum occupied by the RSF, continue to serve as barracks for their soldiers, hosting snipers and ground-based anti-aircraft weaponry.

Since April 15, violent confrontations between the army and the RSF displaced about 2.2 million individuals, including one million children. The precise number of casualties, both fatalities and injuries, remains unknown at this time despite several estimations.

(ST)