The cease-fire officially commenced at 6 a.m. local time on Sunday, aiming to bring respite from the violent clashes that have plagued Sudan since April.

Under the terms of the agreement, both parties have committed to refraining from utilizing warplanes, drones, and artillery fire, and have pledged to halt any military supply activities. The primary objective is to establish a conducive environment for humanitarian aid efforts, thereby addressing the dire consequences of the conflict.

The violence in Sudan has taken a severe toll on the civilian population, with reports from local medics indicating nearly 1,000 fatalities and thousands more injured. Moreover, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that an alarming 2.2 million individuals have been displaced due to the ongoing hostilities. This dire situation has prompted the United Nations to issue a warning that the escalating attacks in the Darfur region could potentially amount to "crimes against humanity."

The root cause of the recent clashes can be traced back to a disagreement between the army and the RSF regarding the integration of the paramilitary group into the armed forces. This integration process forms a critical condition outlined in Sudan's transition agreement with political groups, signifying its importance in maintaining stability and consolidating power.

Since the fall of 2021, Sudan has been grappling with the absence of a functional government after the military dismissed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok's transitional government and declared a state of emergency. This action has been widely criticized by political forces as a "coup," leading to a state of political uncertainty. Initially scheduled to conclude with elections in early 2024, the transitional period, which began in August 2019 after the removal of President Omar al-Bashir, now faces further challenges and delays.

With the implementation of this temporary cease-fire, there is hope that the parties involved will be able to engage in meaningful dialogue, address the underlying issues, and work towards a sustainable resolution that brings lasting peace and stability to Sudan. (ILKHA)