The Trilateral Mechanism, comprised of the United Nations, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), calls on the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to uphold the 72-hour ceasefire across Sudan agreed yesterday under the auspices of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America.

As the conflict in Sudan has entered its third month and the humanitarian situation across the country continues to deteriorate, the Trilateral Mechanism underscores the critical need for a lasting humanitarian pause to allow aid to reach millions of Sudanese in need.

The Trilateral Mechanism is deeply distressed by the heavy toll inflicted on civilians by the ongoing hostilities. According to OCHA, 24.7 million people, roughly half the population of Sudan, require humanitarian aid and protection. Additionally, some 1.7 million people are internally displaced within Sudan, while almost half a million people have sought refuge in neighboring countries. The escalating number of casualties and injuries, along with the widespread destruction of property and livelihoods, are deeply alarming.

The Trilateral Mechanism emphasizes the crucial importance of all parties adhering to international humanitarian law. It calls upon the parties to comply with the Declaration of Commitment they both signed in Jeddah on 11 May 2023, which entails the protection of civilians and the facilitation of safe passage for humanitarian aid throughout the country.

The Trilateral Mechanism is particularly concerned with the rapidly deteriorating situation in Darfur where the conflict has taken on an ethnic dimension, resulting in targeted attacks based on people's identities and subsequent displacement of communities.

The Trilateral Mechanism remains firmly committed to contributing to the achievement of a stable ceasefire and a sustainable cessation of hostilities, to providing humanitarian assistance and to supporting the Sudanese in launching an inclusive political process as soon as possible.

The Trilateral Mechanism expresses its strong support and full solidarity with the people of Sudan who deserve peace, security, and the utmost respect for their human rights.