The Executive Secretary informed that although the two sides agreed on the humanitarian assistance, owing to a number of factors, they had not engaged on the substantive matter of the ceasefire.  He underscored the need to obtain an immediate ceasefire as a prerequisite for the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people in need across Sudan.

In view of the urgency of the situation, and especially the deteriorating humanitarian situation on the ground, with profound negative impact on the people of Sudan, consultations with IGAD leaders are ongoing on the next steps.