Sudan's rival forces agree to protect civilians but no ceasefire

A view shows plumes of smoke and fire at an Omdurman National Bank branch, in Omdurman, Sudan, May 11, 2023 in this screen grab taken from a video obtained by Reuters. Video obtained by Reuters/via REUTERS

KHARTOUM (Reuters) -Sudan's warring factions early on Friday committed to protect civilians and the movement of humanitarian aid, but did not agree to a ceasefire and remain far apart, U.S. officials said.

After a week of talks in the Saudi port of Jeddah, Sudan's army and rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) signed a declaration that they would work towards a short-term ceasefire in further discussions, they said.