Sudan’s military factions have agreed to extend their ceasefire by 72 hours, following diplomatic efforts by neighbouring countries and the UN. However, despite the truce, there are reports of heavy fighting in the capital city of Khartoum, and fighting continues in other provinces. The conflict, which began on 15 April, has left at least 512 people dead and 4,200 injured, although the actual numbers could be higher. Many hospitals in conflict areas are not functioning, and more than 60% of health facilities in Khartoum are inactive. The World Health Organization warns of outbreaks of disease and a lack of services that will lead to “many more” deaths.

The conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a rival paramilitary group, began as a power struggle over the country’s proposed move to civilian rule. Both factions fear losing power because men on both sides could end up at the International Criminal Court for war crimes committed in Darfur almost 20 years ago. The international community has been evacuating foreign nationals, but the head of the International Rescue Committee, David Miliband, warns that the focus on evacuation is neglecting the wider crisis in Sudan. The country’s population has 15 million people in humanitarian need, and he says the international community should not fall into the trap of thinking that evacuating thousands will solve the problem.

The ceasefire extension was expected to end at midnight local time, but the Sudanese regular army agreed to an extension early on Thursday evening, with the RSF following suit hours later. South Sudan has offered to host peace talks, and the army has agreed to send representatives. Meanwhile, neighbouring countries and the US and UK continue their diplomatic efforts. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington was “very actively working” to extend the truce. However, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre warns that the situation could worsen at any moment.