UNITAMS urges full adherence to 72-hour ceasefire in Sudan and calls for protection of civilians and humanitarian assets.

The United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) has issued a statement regarding the 72-hour ceasefire between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces brokered by the United States on 24 April. Although the ceasefire has not been fully respected by the parties involved, UNITAMS welcomes the move and urges for full adherence and facilitation of humanitarian access. The UNITAMS Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sudan and Head, Mr. Volker Perthes, expressed deep concern over recent reports of violence in West Darfur, which has taken on an inter-communal dimension, resulting in attacks on civilians, mass looting, and distribution of weapons among local communities. He emphasized the immediate need to end the conflict in the area and called on all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, protect civilians and infrastructure, and safeguard UN and humanitarian personnel, premises, and assets. The UNITAMS Special Representative also emphasized the importance of allowing civilians to safely leave areas of active hostilities and have access to essential supplies. He commended ongoing efforts by local authorities to de-escalate tensions and called for urgent strengthening of these efforts. The UNITAMS Special Representative reiterated his commitment to using his good offices to work with all parties towards a sustained ceasefire, political negotiations, and alleviation of human suffering.