Sudan: Rebels announce three-month ceasefire April 17

Event

The leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), Abdelaziz Adam al-Helew, announced on Wednesday, April 17, that his forces will observe a three-month ceasefire in the southern parts of the country. According to Helew, the ceasefire is intended to allow a transitional civilian government to be established following the removal of President Omar al-Bashir. SPLM-N forces in Blue Nile and South Kordofan states will suspend all hostilities until at least July 31.

Context

The SPLM-N has been conducting an insurgency in Blue Nile and South Kordofan states since 2011 since breaking off from the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM). It is the largest rebel group in Sudan, with several thousand fighters and heavy weapons. The group is seeking autonomy for the two southern states that were not included in South Sudan.

President Bashir was removed from office on April 11 following a military coup led by Defense Minister Awad Mohamed Ahmed Ibn Auf. Following the formation of the Supreme Security Committee, Ibn Auf announced that the military had dissolved the government, suspended the constitution, and would rule the country for two years in a transitional government, after which time fresh presidential elections would be held.

Advice

Individuals in Sudan are advised to monitor developments to the situation. Many Western governments advise against traveling to the five Darfur states, South Kordofan, Blue Nile, certain areas of North Kordofan, the Djebel Ouanat region, Dinder National Park, and Sennar state.