UN envoy says in daily contact with Sudan rival leaders

The UN special envoy to Sudan has told the BBC that he is in daily contact with the two generals whose forces are fighting for control of the country.

Volker Perthes said the leaders of the warring factions were talking to the UN but not to each other.

He said he would continue to press for humanitarian pauses so civilians can escape the fighting, while also pursuing a full ceasefire.

Ceasefire agreed on Sunday and Monday was not fully observed.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also spoken to the commanders of Sudan's army and the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Force to call for an end to the bloodshed.

Residents of Khartoum have again reported exchanges of heavy artillery as the fighting continues for a fourth day.

Sudanese doctors say almost 200 people have been have been killed although the real total is likely to be much higher.