Sudan’s warring military groups have agreed to a three-day ceasefire beginning at midnight Monday, as many countries begin to evacuate civilians from the war-torn African country.

“Following intense negotiation over the past 48 hours, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have agreed to implement a 72-hour nationwide ceasefire beginning at midnight on April 24,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a written statement on Monday.

Previous ceasefires had failed as the violent combat entered its second week, killing at least 427 people and injuring over 3,700, according to UN agencies.

Mr. Blinken’s declaration came only hours after UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that the violence “risks a catastrophic conflagration within Sudan that could engulf the entire region and beyond.”

He did, however, urge UN Security Council members to use all of their leverage.

The RSF said in a statement on Monday that it agreed to the truce to “open humanitarian corridors, facilitate the movement of citizens and residents” and let them to “fulfill their needs, reach hospitals and safe areas, and evacuate diplomatic missions.”

Countries evacuated embassies and citizens over the weekend as fighting continued in highly populated areas of the capital.

Foreign civilians have been able to depart Sudan securely during brief lulls in the violence.

If the present three-day ceasefire holds, it may provide an opportunity to send critical resources such as food and medical supplies to those in need.

(xinhua/NAN)

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