France does not “at this stage” remove citizens from the Sudanthe representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said today in Paris, adding that his country is currently focusing on achieving a ceasefire, while the World Health Organisation called on both sides of the conflict to cease fighting to provide medical care to the wounded and open a humanitarian corridor for health workers, patients and ambulances.

Residents in the capital Khartoum reported heavy gunfire today as many tried to flee the city, which has been virtually paralyzed by heavy fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

“We call on all parties to implement a sustainable humanitarian pause as soon as possible so that those caught up in the fighting can seek shelter,” WHO regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean Ahmed Al-Madari told a virtual news conference.

He stated that such a humanitarian pause is essential for civilians to have access to food, water and medicine and for the injured to receive medical treatment.

The two sides had previously said they would respect a 24-hour ceasefire that was due to take effect yesterday, Wednesday, at 19:00 (Greece time), but it was soon breached by clashes.

Madari said the humanitarian corridor should be established to allow the safe movement of health workers, patients and ambulances.

Richard Brennan, the WHO’s Regional Director for Emergencies, said medical evacuation of those seriously injured in Sudan is “not currently a realistic option” because of the poor security situation.

“It is not possible to have this kind of movement,” he said. “We also have very limited resources. It is very expensive to do medical evacuations. It is much better to use our limited resources to strengthen hospitals and support medical staff in the country.”

Brennan added that the WHO plans to bring more medical equipment, including emergency surgery kits, to Sudan as soon as the situation permits.