Al-Budaiwi praised the humanitarian role played by Saudi Arabia and all GCC countries in the current crisis in Sudan RIYADH: The head of the Gulf Cooperation Council called for calm in Sudan and an end to all military escalation in the country on Sunday. During a meeting with Dafallah Al-Haj Ali, undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jasem Al-Budaiwi stressed the GCC’s keenness on Sudan’s security, safety and stability, preserving the cohesion of the state and its institutions, and supporting it to face all challenges to achieve the aspirations of the Sudanese people. Al-Budaiwi praised the humanitarian role played by Saudi Arabia and all GCC countries in the current crisis in Sudan. He also praised all international and regional efforts aimed at reaching consensus among political forces, ending the crisis in Sudan, and achieving security and stability in the country. A humanitarian truce in Sudan was extended on Sunday and will last for three days starting from midnight, according to a statement released by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) spokesman. “In response to international, regional and local calls, we announce the extension of the humanitarian truce for 72 hours, starting from midnight tonight, in order to open humanitarian corridors and facilitate the movement of citizens and residents and enable them to fulfil their needs and reach safe areas,” the statement said. Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands wounded since a long-simmering power struggle between the Sudanese army and the RSF erupted into conflict on April 15.