This is a first step to providing relief for Sudanese civilians trapped in the conflict, but there is still a long way to go.

The rival parties promised to respect humanitarian principles, but they didn’t agree to pause the fighting. The statement says they will allow safe passage for people leaving battle zones, protect relief workers and they won’t use civilians as human shields.

The two sides committed to let in badly needed humanitarian assistance, after looting and attacks that targeted aid. They are still discussing a proposal for a truce and a mechanism to monitor it.

US officials have been mediating the talks together with the Saudis. An American diplomats described the talks as difficult, with the two sides still "far apart".

On Thursday, Sudan's capital, Khartoum, was rocked by more clashes but the overall situation was calmer than a day earlier.

The conflict erupted in mid-April when the RSF refused to be integrated into Sudan's army under a planned transition to civilian rule.