SUDAN NEWS ALERT: AFP - Sudan declares 'permanent ceasefire' as peace talks hit snag

17/10/19: AFP - Sudan declares 'permanent ceasefire' as peace talks hit snag

 AFP reports that the chief of Sudan’s ruling sovereign council, General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, announced a permanent ceasefire in the three conflict zones – Darfur, South Kordofan and the Blue Nile state.

 The ceasefire follows the SPLM-N rebel group threats to pull out of peace talks in Juba, accusing government forces of bombing its territory.

 The spokesman of the government negotiation delegation in Juba, Mohammed Hassan, attributed the fighting to an attack by herders on local merchants. He condemned the “unfortunate events” across Suan in “the strongest terms,” especially as they took place when people are entering peace negotiations.

 Dhieu Mathok, a member of South Sudan’s mediation team, told AFP they were investigating the SPLM-N’s complaints but would not stop peace talks.