Explosions have been heard near the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, a day after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced an agreement to a humanitarian ceasefire.
Residents reported being awoken by the sound of drones and subsequent explosions that appeared to come from nearby military bases and power stations in the early hours of Friday morning.
While the RSF has not commented on the incidents, the military-led government in Sudan expressed reluctance to agree to a truce, citing past violations of ceasefires by the paramilitary group.
The ongoing conflict since April 2023 has resulted in over 150,000 fatalities and displaced 12 million residents from their homes. A UN hunger report earlier this week indicated that famine conditions are worsening in the conflict zones.
Reports of drone activity extended beyond Khartoum to Atbara, about 300km to the north, where residents witnessed anti-aircraft defenses shooting down drones.
The RSF's agreement to a truce comes amidst their strategic gains in the region, specifically the recent seizure of el-Fasher. However, their credibility is challenged due to widespread allegations of human rights abuses during their military actions, which they have denied.
The truce was originally proposed by a coalition including the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, aiming for a permanent ceasefire and a shift to civilian governance. Nevertheless, Sudan's government has dismissed this foreign intervention as an attempt to equate it with what they term a 'terrorist militia'.
During a press conference, Sudanese officials reiterated their skepticism, citing past experiences with RSF's truce agreements that were never honored. The government remains apprehensive about the RSF's motives and the ongoing allegations of external support provided by the UAE.
The RSF's stronghold in el-Fasher and their expanded territorial influence may provide them with leverage in potential negotiations, yet the international community's attention remains focused on their human rights record.
