NEW TELEGRAPH
Rival factions of Sudan’s military have agreed to renew a three-day ceasefire, shortly before it was due to expire.
The extension – for another 72 hours – follows intensive diplomatic efforts by neighbouring countries, as well as the US, UK and UN, reports the BBC.
But there are continuing reports of heavy fighting in the capital Khartoum.
The previous truce allowed thousands of people to attempt to flee to safety, while dozens of countries have tried to evacuate their citizens.
Almost two weeks of fighting between the army and a rival paramilitary group have left hundreds dead.
The ceasefire had been expected to end at midnight local time (22:00 GMT).
Early on Thursday evening the Sudanese regular army agreed to an extension, and its rival the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) followed suit hours later.
South Sudan has offered to host peace talks, and the army has agreed to send representatives to the talks.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington was “very actively working” to extend the truce, adding that while imperfect it had reduced violence.
But White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre later said the situation could worsen at any moment.
Meanwhile the RSF and eyewitnesses said the army had been pounding its positions in Khartoum.
