Sudanese anti-war leader calls for Ramadan truce, humanitarian aid

February 26, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – Yasir Arman, a leading figure of the Civil Forces Alliance Tagadum, called for stopping the war in Sudan during the holy month of Ramadan, expected to begin on March 10th.

Arman issued a call for a truce on the X platform on Saturday, directed to the commanders of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.

The UN has warned since late last year that civilians in Sudan’s conflict zones could face severe hunger by next summer, reaching famine-like conditions. Nearly two-thirds of Sudan’s population, or about 30 million people, now require humanitarian assistance due to the conflict’s devastating impact.

“Can we all, civilians and military personnel, hope to stop the war throughout the month of Ramadan and allow civilians freedom of movement and family reunification in the holy month, so that God’s generosity and mercy extend to our people?” Arman stated.

He urged the Sudanese people, the regional and international community, and the United Nations agencies to amplify his call for a Ramadan ceasefire. He specifically named the African Union Peace and Security Council, the UN Security Council, and the League of Arab States.

Furthermore, Arman appealed to neighbouring countries – Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates – to “exert efforts to stop the war during the holy month of Ramadan and to provide and send humanitarian aid.”

Saudi and U.S. efforts failed to bring the Sudanese army and the paramilitary forces to stop the war and allow humanitarian access to civilians trapped in the war-affected areas.

(ST)