Sudan Conflict: Mediators Report Ceasefire Progress Amid Fighting

Reports suggest that the warring sides in Sudan are adhering better to a fragile ceasefire, despite reports of fierce fighting in Darfur. The seven-day truce, which began on Monday, was intended to allow access to aid and services after battles since mid-April killed hundreds and created a humanitarian and refugee crisis. The war broke out in the capital Khartoum on April 15 after disputes over plans for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to be integrated into the army under an internationally backed deal to shift Sudan towards democracy following decades of conflict-ridden rule by former President Omar al-Bashir. Despite a drop in fighting, there have still been reports throughout the week of clashes, artillery fire and air raids. The truce was violated only minutes after it came into effect on Monday night. Increasingly desperate civilians have been waiting for brief lulls in fighting to flee or for assistance to flow through as battles have left the capital – a city of five million – with intermittent supplies of food, water and electricity.