Arab League chief calls for ceasefire during Eid al Fitr in Sudan

CAIRO – 19 April 2023:  Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Ahmed Abul Gheit called on warring parties in Sudan to stop the fighting during the days of Eid al Fitr holiday, to enable civilians to respond to urgent humanitarian cases.

"It is heartrending to see Sudanese brothers celebrate Eid al Fitr frightened at their homes, in fear of their lives, with children, sick and elderly people living among them, while the fighting goes on, leading to loss of life and unbearable suffering among civilians," Abul Gheit said in a humanitarian appeal to the leaders of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) the Rapid Support Forces (RAF) on Wednesday.

Abul Gheit said his purely humanitarian appeal has nothing to do with any political stance towards the crisis in Sudan or who must be held accountable for igniting hostilities or sustaining hostilities.

“The people of Sudan, women and children, must be the top priority now,” said the chief of the Arab League, reminding the warring factions of the sanctity of the holy month of Ramadan, and urging them to stick to a comprehensive ceasefire deal during Eid al Fitr holiday.

On Tuesday, Abul Gheit welcomed a 24-hour ceasefire that has been agreed between Sudan's army and paramilitaries, describing it as an important step to respond to urgent humanitarian cases.

During a phone call with Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Fakih earlier Tuesday, Abul Gheit voiced hope that all parties will respect the humanitarian truce and build on this step, AL secretary general's spokesman Jamal Rushdi said in a statement.

The two sides exchanged views on the volatile situation in Sudan, and how to coordinate efforts between the pan-Arab and pan-African bodies to de-escalate it to restore calm in the war-torn country, the spokesman added.