Sudan's warring parties agree to avoid harming civilians, let in aid

By Nathan Morley

Sudan's two warring factions have signed an accord to protect civilians and aid deliveries from violence but could not agree on a ceasefire.

The talks, which have been going on for the last five days, took place at the port of Jeddah, with Saudi and US involvement. 

It is understood, there are still ongoing discussions about a possible ten day truce.

However, a statement from the talks said the two warring sides would allow safe passage for people leaving battle zones and they would let in much needed humanitarian assistance. 

Other pledges included respecting the work of ambulance teams, and allowing the Red Cross to collect the dead.

The United States said they were 'cautiously hopeful' for the safe delivery of much-needed relief supplies. 

In the past few weeks, looting and attacks have targeted incoming aid.

Sudan has been witnessing brutal armed clashes between the Sudanese army and the RSF since April 15, with the two sides accusing each other of initiating the conflict.

The clashes have killed at least 550 people and left over 5,000 with serious wounds.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) now estimates that more than 700,000 people are displaced within Sudan's territory.

And new figures from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) show the number of people arriving in Ethiopia from Sudan has surpassed 18,000.