Sudan: Ceasefire extended with southern rebels July 27 /update 1

Event

The leader of one of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) faction, Malik Agar, and the Sudanese Transitional Military Council (TMC) have agreed to extend the ceasefire in the southern parts of the country, including in Blue Nile and South Kordofan, until further notice. The ceasefire was originally signed for a three-month period on April 17. The renewal will notably include the cessation of hostilities and the opening of humanitarian corridors in the southern regions.

Context

The SPLM-N has been conducting an insurgency in Blue Nile and South Kordofan states since 2011, when it broke 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.

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.