Smoke billows in southern Khartoum, Sudan, on May 29, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

RIYADH/KHARTOUM – The Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces on Monday agreed to a five-day extension of a ceasefire agreement they signed on May 20 after negotiations in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah, Al Arabiya News reported.

The two sides stressed commitment to allowing safe passage of all civilians from conflict areas and protecting civilian supplies.

The Agreement on a Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements was reached through negotiations that started on May 6 under a Saudi-US initiative with the aim of ending the conflict in Sudan and facilitating the access of humanitarian aid to civilians.

In its latest update on the situation in Sudan on Wednesday, the International Organization for Migration said the conflict in Sudan has forced more than 1.36 million people to flee their homes, including nearly 320,000 who escaped to neighboring countries

The seven-day truce, which entered into force on May 22, was scheduled to expire at 9:45 pm local time (1945 GMT) on Monday.

Clashes erupt before ceasefire deal expires

Violent clashes broke out in Sudan's capital Khartoum between the Sudanese Army and the RSF on Monday, just a few hours before the ceasefire deal between the two sides would expire. 

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According to eyewitnesses, the clashes took place in Omdurman and Bahri (Khartoum North) cities, where the Sudanese Army launched airstrikes on RSF sites in the two cities, while the RSF responded with anti-aircraft missiles.

Sudan has been witnessing deadly armed clashes between the Sudanese Army and the RSF in Khartoum and other areas since April 15.

In its latest update on the situation in Sudan on Wednesday, the International Organization for Migration said the conflict in Sudan has forced more than 1.36 million people to flee their homes, including nearly 320,000 who escaped to neighboring countries.

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According to a report of the Sudanese Doctors Syndicate on Sunday, the casualty toll of civilians since the beginning of the clashes has climbed to 866 deaths and 3,721 injuries.