THE UN secretary general called today for a truce of “at least three days” in Sudan on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr celebrations, which mark the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

“As an immediate priority, I am calling for a ceasefire of at least three days, for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, to allow civilians trapped in the fighting areas to escape and seek medical aid, food and other essential supplies,” stated the Antonio Guterres to reporters after the online meeting he had with officials of the African Union, the Arab League, the European Union, the regional African association Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other related organizations.

“This should be the first stage to allow a respite from the fighting and pave the way for a sustainable ceasefire,” he added.

When asked about the failed calls for a ceasefire to date, Guterres underlined that this is an “important moment in the Muslim calendar” and added that “all the (involved) sides in the conflict are Muslims”.

“I think the time is right for a truce to be held,” he said.

“We are in touch with the (involved) sides, we think this is possible but the whole world must be united to put pressure to achieve a ceasefire,” he added, calling the ceasefire “absolutely critical” as hundreds of people have been killed. and injured.

“The cessation of hostilities must be followed by a serious dialogue to allow a successful transition, with the appointment of a civilian government,” he said.