Violence continues as peace talks enter third day: Clashes between the Sudanese Army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continued yesterday as representatives from both sides continued “pre-negotiation talks” in Saudi Arabia. The two sides agreed to a week-long ceasefire starting Thursday, which has so far failed to hold.

Talks to continue for coming days: The US-Saudi-sponsored talks in Jeddah will continue in the coming days, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said yesterday. The meetings started on Saturday and are the first time the army and the RSF have met fact-to-face since fighting began three weeks ago. The ministry expressed hope that the process will lead to an “effective short-term ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian assistance.”

REFUGEE COUNT RISES-

Egypt has now taken in more than 61k people from Sudan since the beginning of the crisis, including 57k Sudanese nationals, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry saidyesterday during the Arab League’s emergency meeting on Sudan and Syria.

The number could be higher, according to Ala Mas’ouleety host Ahmed Moussa (watch, runtime: 4:59), who last night put the number at 65k, with 60.6k Sudanese nationals entering the country. Moussa’s figures are higher than any of those reported by Egyptian or international officials.

Some 86.9k Sudanese citizens had crossed the border to neighboring countries as of 4 May, according to UNHCR data. Egypt had taken in the largest number of refugees (50.5k), followed by Chad with 26k, Central African Republic (6.3k), South Sudan (2.6k), and Ethiopia (1.5k).

Shoukry reiterated solidarity with Sudan during his speech, saying that Egypt is prepared to offer all forms of support to help the Sudanese nation overcome this crisis and reiterated the need for a ceasefire.

Aid on the way: Saudi Arabia has pledged USD 100 mn in humanitarian aid, Reutersreported, citing Saudi state-run Al Ekhbariya.

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