The Sudanese military has dismissed a ceasefire proposal from the United Arab Emirates for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.
This decision follows significant territorial gains made by the army in the capital, including the capture of a crucial stronghold previously controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in northern Khartoum.
The Sudanese army views the UAE as a belligerent in the conflict and has frequently associated it with the RSF, alleging that the UAE is its primary financier and arms supplier. The UAE has denied these accusations.
In a statement, the UAE expressed, “As we near the holy month of Ramadan, a period characterized by mercy and compassion, we urge all parties to respect this sacred time with a humanitarian ceasefire. We cannot accept a Ramadan ceasefire until the siege on all besieged cities and regions is lifted,” stated an official from the UAE.
The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023, triggered by escalating tensions between military leaders and the RSF, leading to widespread violence in Khartoum and other urban areas across the nation.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 28,000 fatalities, displaced millions, and left some families resorting to eating grass to survive amid a famine affecting various regions. Humanitarian organizations report difficulties in reaching those most in need, as access is restricted by the fighting factions, particularly in Darfur.
Famine has been identified in at least five regions, including three camps for internally displaced persons in Darfur, as reported by the Integrated Food Security Classification. The IPC’s December report indicated that famine is on the rise, with projections suggesting that five additional areas in Darfur will face famine in the upcoming months.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in the largest displacement crisis globally, displacing over 14 million individuals—approximately 30% of the population—according to the U.N. Among these, around 3.2 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries such as Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan.
