US teaming up with partners in creating committee for Sudan cease-fire: White House

WASHINGTON

The US is teaming up with regional, international partners, and Sudanese civilians to form a committee that will oversee negotiations for a permanent cease-fire and humanitarian arrangements in Sudan, the White House said Tuesday.

"The US is coordinating with regional and international partners and Sudanese civilian stakeholders to assist in the creation of a committee to oversee the negotiation conclusion and implementation of a permanent ceasefire of hostilities and humanitarian arrangements in Sudan," said spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre.

Speaking at a press briefing, Jean-Pierre said President Joe Biden's senior national security team has been in direct contact with Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

The US urges the parties to end hostilities immediately without preconditions, and to fully uphold the latest cease-fire, said Jean-Pierre. "And we are consulting very closely with people and other partners as well."

"We will continue to work toward the shared goal of a return to civilian government in Sudan. The ongoing violence threatens the safety of all civilians, jeopardizes the progress made to date in negotiations to restore Sudan's democratic transition and undermines the aspiration of the Sudanese people," she added.

The cease-fire that came into force at Tuesday midnight was the latest attempt to stop the fighting that first erupted on April 15.

At least 460 people have been killed in the ongoing clashes between the warring parties and 4,063 people have also been injured in the violence, according to the Health Ministry on Tuesday.