Sudanese army voices commitment to cease-fire deal, humanitarian arrangements

This photo taken on April 15, 2023 shows smoke rising in Khartoum, capital of Sudan. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The Sudanese Army announced on Sunday its commitment to the Agreement on a Short-Term Cease-fire and Humanitarian Arrangements it signed with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Saudi Arabian port city of Jeddah late Saturday.

"The armed forces announce their commitment to the agreement and hope the RSF will abide by what it says," the Sudanese army spokesman said in a statement.

"The duration of the short-term cease-fire is seven days and will enter into force on Monday at 9:45 p.m. local time (1945 GMT)," the statement said.

On Saturday night, the Sudanese Army and the RSF signed the cease-fire deal under Saudi-U.S. patronage.

Under the deal, each party shall implement the agreement in full and ensure that all forces under their command and control observe it at all times and in full.

A Sudanese army warplane is seen during clashes over Bahri town, north of Khartoum, Sudan, on May 11, 2023. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

According to the deal, the parties shall guarantee the freedom of movement of civilians throughout the country and protect civilians from violence, harassment, recruitment, or other abuse, as well as refrain from any violations of international human rights law.

The parties shall also provide security guarantees for safe, unhindered access by humanitarian agencies.

The agreement does not touch on the discussion of political situation, according to the statement.

Sudan has been witnessing deadly armed clashes between the Sudanese Army and the RSF in the capital Khartoum and other areas since April 15.