The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced Thursday its successful facilitation of the release of 125 Sudanese soldiers, 44 of whom were wounded, who had been detained by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the paramilitary group engaged in conflict with Sudanese forces since April.
The RSF has been a prominent actor in the ongoing clashes that have plagued the nation for the past several months. Thursday’s release followed another on Monday involving 14 wounded people who were detained in the Darfur region. Upon release, the soldiers were promptly provided with medical assistance, essential supplies and necessary support to ensure their safe return to their families and communities.
Earlier this week both parties announced a ceasefire in honor of Eid al-Adha, a Muslim festival that took place Wednesday. However, residents told the news organization Al Jazeera that fighting has continued throughout the ceasefire.
The United Nations (UN) has estimated that over 2.5 million have been displaced since fighting began in April. The Sudanese Doctor’s Syndicate, an organization that has tracked casualties throughout the conflict, has claimed that around 1,000 have been killed in the western part of the country.
The ICRC’s intervention marks a significant step towards de-escalating the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Peace talks are currently at a standstill.