Volatile ceasefire extended in violence-hit Sudan

The Sudanese Army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have agreed to a five-day extension of a ceasefire agreement the two warring sides signed on May 20, as relevant parties, including the African Union (AU), are hammering out a road map to ending the protracted conflict. While the two sides affirmed commitment to allowing the safe passage of civilians from conflict areas and protecting civilian supplies, the truce has been constantly breached during the cease-fire period, impeding humanitarian access and restoration of genuine stability, reports Xinhua news agency. The Agreement on a Short-Term Cease-fire and Humanitarian Arrangements was reached through negotiations that started on May 6 in Jeddah under a Saudi-US initiative with the aim of ending the conflict in Sudan and facilitating access of humanitarian aid to civilians.