Sudan: Permanent ceasefire implemented with rebel groups October 16

Event

On Wednesday, October 16, the government announced the implementation of a permanent ceasefire in the conflict-torn states of Darfur, Blue Nile, and South Kordofan, in ongoing attempts to resume peace talks in Juba with the aim of restoring peace in those areas.

Context

Sudan's new transitional government met with rebel leaders in Juba (South Sudan) on October 13, as part of ongoing efforts to end the country's years-long civil wars. While rebel leaders from Darfur have agreed to negotiate, the SPLM-N, who has been conducting an insurgency in Blue Nile and South Kordofan states, has decided to step over the negotiation table after accusing government forces of carrying out an attack in their Nuba Mountains stronghold, showing the government's failure to respect a month-long non-official ceasefire agreement.

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.