The US and Saudi Arabia have urged warring sides in Sudan to extend the seven-day ceasefire that is set to expire on Monday in a joint statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency. “While imperfect, an extension nonetheless will facilitate the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese people,” the statement read. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) said on Saturday it was ready to discuss extending the agreement, which appears to have reduced but not put a stop to fighting on the ground.

Neither parties have respected the ceasefire: “Both parties have told facilitators their goal is de-escalation to facilitate humanitarian assistance and essential repairs, yet both parties are posturing for further escalation,” the US and Saudi Arabia said in another statement. The statement pointed to the RSF’s continued encroachment in civilian areas and both factions preventing humanitarian organizations from providing relief to people in the capital.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi met Sudanese families at the Qastal border crossing with Sudan and in Cairo yesterday, according to tweets by UNHCR Egypt and organization officials (here, here and here). Grandi appealed to the international community “not to forget” those who have fled Sudan or the countries hosting them and to international donors “to urgently support ongoing relief efforts by the authorities, local communities and aid agencies.” He was also set to meet with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit during his three-day visit, which wraps today.

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