Sudan’s Army Rejects Ceasefire Call During Ramadan

Sudan’s military has refused calls for a ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan, prolonging the ongoing conflict and raising humanitarian concerns.

The Sudanese army has declined a ceasefire proposal from the United Arab Emirates for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.

This follows the army’s significant progress in the capital, where they have taken control of a crucial stronghold that was previously under the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in northern Khartoum.

Sudan’s army views the European Union as an instigator of the conflict, frequently associating it with the Rapid Support Forces and alleging that it is their primary financier and weapons supplier. The United Arab Emirates denies these allegations.

The UAE issued a statement urging all parties to respect the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, emphasizing it as a time for mercy and compassion. They called for a humanitarian ceasefire during this sacred period. However, an official clarified that they would not accept such a ceasefire until the siege on all besieged cities and areas is lifted.

The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023, when escalating tensions between military leaders and the RSF burst into open hostilities in Khartoum and other cities throughout the country.

The conflict has resulted in over 28,000 deaths and displaced millions from their homes. In some areas affected by famine, families are resorting to eating grass to survive. Aid organizations report difficulties reaching the most vulnerable populations due to restricted access imposed by warring parties, particularly in Darfur.

Famine has been identified in a minimum of five locations, which includes three camps for displaced individuals in Darfur, as reported by the Integrated Food Security Classification. In its December report, the IPC cautioned that famine was expanding and predicted that an additional five areas in Darfur could face famine in the coming months.

According to the U.N., the war has resulted in the world’s largest displacement crisis, forcing over 14 million people—around 30% of the population—to leave their homes. Out of these, approximately 3.2 million have fled into nearby countries such as Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan.