Beijing, China - August 23, 2024

More than 20,000 people have been killed since the conflict in Sudan broke out in April 2023, according to a report released by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), an independent, impartial, international non-profit organization, on Friday.

The report showed that since fighting first broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on April 15, 2023, the ACLED records over 7,230 events of political violence and more than 20,000 reported fatalities in Sudan. From July 6 to Aug 16, 2024, most political violences were recorded in Khartoum and North Darfur states, with 157 and 68 events and 260 and 396 reported fatalities, respectively.

Also on Friday, the latest round of ceasefire talks on the armed conflict in Sudan concluded in Geneva, Switzerland, but ultimately failed to make substantial progress on key issues such as ceasefire and withdrawal.

The ceasefire talks began on August 14 with the presence of a delegation sent by the RSF and the absence of the SAF.

After the talks, the United Nations, the African Union, and the United States, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint communique stating that two key humanitarian corridors in Sudan would be reopened, and urged both parties to the conflict to implement the Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023, to ensure protection for humanitarian activities in Sudan.

The mediators expressed regret that the SAF did not participate in this round of talks and they remain open to the participation of both parties to the conflict in future negotiations. They stated that they will continue to promote diplomatic efforts based on the results of this round of talks, with the aim of ending the armed conflict in Sudan, protecting local civilians, and improving humanitarian access.

They also called on the international community to fulfill its financial commitments to Sudan's humanitarian response plan and to further increase financial support.

Shotlist:
Beijing, China - Aug 23, 2024:
1. Screen shot of report released by Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED);
FILE: Metropolitan Area of Khartoum, Sudan - Date Unknown
2. Various of damaged buildings;
FILE: Sudan - Date Unknown
3. Various of tents, refugees;
4. Various of refugees lining up for supplies;
FILE: Metropolitan Area of Khartoum, Sudan - Date Unknown
5. Buckets; residents waiting to get water;
FILE: Sudan - Date Unknown
6. Various of tents, refugees;
FILE: Geneva, Switzerland - Date Unknown
7. Various of Palace of Nations, flags.

[Restriction - No access Chinese mainland/Al-Arabiya TV/Middle East Broadcasting Center]