In a surprising move, the Sudanese government has declared UN envoy Volker Perthes persona non grata, coinciding with a newly brokered 24-hour ceasefire between the warring military factions. This decision follows weeks after General Abdel Fattah Burhan, the military chief, formally requested Perthes' removal. The UN Secretary-General has been informed of this decision.

The backdrop to this development is the ongoing violent conflict between Sudan's military, led by Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. The fighting, which erupted in mid-April, has resulted in a devastating loss of civilian life, with the death toll estimated to be well over 860, according to the Sudanese Doctors’ Syndicate. The actual number is feared to be significantly higher.

A new 24-hour ceasefire, commencing Saturday at 6 a.m., has been agreed upon by both sides. This truce, the eighth since the conflict began, was announced jointly by Saudi Arabia and the United States, who have been mediating between the warring factions. Previous ceasefires have unfortunately failed to hold.

The US and Saudi Arabia recently paused formal peace talks in Jeddah, citing repeated violations of previous ceasefire agreements. In conjunction with this, the US imposed sanctions on key defense companies linked to both the military and the RSF, alongside visa restrictions. Despite this setback, both countries maintain communication with the warring parties, hoping to revive the peace process.

Perthes, who has played a crucial mediating role in Sudan since 2021, has faced increasing pressure, including death threats and calls for his resignation. The German government has expressed strong disapproval of Sudan's decision, affirming their continued support for Perthes and his efforts. Perthes will continue his work from Kenya, supporting the Jeddah peace initiative.

Perthes, currently in Ethiopia, has not yet commented on Sudan's decision. Burhan's letter accusing Perthes of bias and negative influence on pre-war negotiations underscores the tension surrounding his role. Perthes, however, has previously downplayed the threats against him, attributing them to extremist elements and highlighting the broad support for the UN's efforts within Sudan.

The conflict has transformed Khartoum into a battleground, leaving many areas without essential services like water and electricity. Reports of widespread looting and sexual violence, particularly against women and girls, are deeply concerning, with the RSF primarily implicated in these atrocities. The paramilitary group has yet to respond to these allegations.

The fighting has triggered a massive displacement crisis, with an estimated 1.42 million people internally displaced within Sudan and another 451,000 fleeing the country, according to the UN refugee agency. This includes South Sudanese refugees who had previously sought refuge in Sudan.

Amidst the ongoing conflict, humanitarian efforts continue. The International Committee of the Red Cross recently evacuated 297 children from a Khartoum orphanage where 71 children tragically died from hunger and disease since mid-April. Aid organizations like Mercy Corps warn of a potential catastrophic food crisis and disease outbreaks in the coming months, exacerbated by the approaching rainy season.