UN relief chief David Beasley welcomed progress by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the US toward a much-needed three-month humanitarian truce in Sudan. Speaking on social media, he emphasized the importance of safe, unhindered access for aid delivery amid the country’s escalating crisis of violence, hunger, and environmental challenges. The truce aims to provide immediate relief and pave the way for a permanent ceasefire and a nine-month transition toward civilian governance.
The joint statement issued by the four countries outlined five key principles: a pause to the fighting, an end to external military support, facilitation of humanitarian access by all parties, respect for Sudan’s territorial integrity, and recognition that there is no military solution to the conflict. The statement also reaffirmed their commitment to restoring peace, alleviating human suffering, and coordinating with African, Arab, UN, and other international partners.
UN agencies, including the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the World Food Programme (WFP), continue to monitor the situation and deliver aid to vulnerable populations. WFP Chief Cindy McCain highlighted the urgency of safe access, stressing that the truce must translate into concrete improvements on the ground.
In Khartoum, local authorities have made some progress in restoring basic services and improving security, yet over 800,000 people returning to the capital require urgent support to rebuild their lives. Overall, more than 30 million people across Sudan need humanitarian assistance, with OCHA currently reaching around 20 million of the most vulnerable citizens.