Khartoum, Sudan – (African Boulevard News) – The patchy truce in Sudan has been extended for five days after weeks of violent conflict between rival factions. The decision was made after talks between the Transitional Military Council (TMC) and the opposition Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) who have been at loggerheads since ousting long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir in April.
Sudan descended into chaos in mid-April after a months-long power struggle pitting two army Generals; Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo – better known as “Hemedti” – against pro-democracy activists demanding civilian rule. The protests eventually led to a military coup, but the power vacuum created by al-Bashir’s ouster has sparked deadly clashes between rival paramilitary groups.
The TMC, which is currently in power, and the FFC have been at odds over the formation of a transitional government. However, the two groups agreed to a tentative truce earlier this week, paving the way for a formal ceasefire.
The new truce, which came into effect on May 30th, was hailed by both sides as a “positive development” and could pave the way for a lasting peace deal. However, analysts warn that the situation remains volatile, with armed groups operating outside the control of the main political factions and regional powers vying for influence in Sudan.
One of the main challenges facing the parties involved in the conflict is the absence of a clear power-sharing agreement. The FFC has been demanding a civilian-led transitional government, while the TMC has been pushing for a military-backed administration.
The extension of the truce was welcomed by political analysts as a sign that both sides are willing to compromise to find a solution to the crisis.
“The extension of the truce is a positive development, and it shows that both sides are willing to come to the negotiating table,” said Ahmed Adam, an analyst at the Institute for Security Studies.
Adam added that the international community should continue to support the peace process in Sudan and called on regional powers to cease their interference in Sudanese affairs.
As Sudan heads towards a crucial period of transition, many are hoping that the extension of the truce will pave the way for a lasting peace agreement and the establishment of a civilian-led government. However, the road ahead remains fraught with uncertainty, and it remains to be seen if the various factions can put their differences aside and work towards a common goal.
