Syrian truce, a respite for people

The cessation of hostilities that is in place in Syria since Saturday night will provide the Syrian people with a measure of respite. Since the fighting between government forces and an array of opposition groups erupted five years ago, this is the first time that a truce of sorts is in place.

It opens up space for supply of food, medicines and other essential commodities to people trapped in areas that are under the control of rebels. Humanitarian agencies are using the window of opportunity opened up by the truce to rush in supplies to besie-ged populations. According to the United Nations, over 450,000 Syrians are trapped in 15 towns and villages under siege, while 4.1 million others are living in hard-to-reach areas. The UN clearly faces a daunting task ahead. It must invest all its resources to ensure that it meets the challenge. It has little time to waste as the truce is not expected to last long.

While the Syrian government and around 100 rebel factions are part of the truce, it does not include the Islamic State group and the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra faction. Hence, the cessation of hostilities is limited. Vast swathes of territory that are under IS and al-Nusra control, are being bombed by the US and Russia and civilians in these areas continue to suffer. The truce in place is therefore deeply flawed. But it is the only one that was possible in the circumstances. It must be given a chance to succeed.The absence of geographic demarcation of truce zones is problematic. With the US and Russia continuing their operations against IS and al-Nusra terrorists, there is a danger of them hitting rebels who are on board the truce. Should this happen, it could result in an unravelling of the truce and a return to war.

Already truce violations are being reported. But conflict parties must be patient. Trust needs to be built and this will take time. There are numerous vested interests that are keen to keep the tensions alive and they will try to trigger fighting. If the cessation of hostilities holds, it could lead to a ceasefire agreement. Syrians have suffered immensely since the war began. Over 250,000 people have been killed and many times that number are injured and forced out of their homes. They will be hoping that the parties to the conflict and their international backers will use the opportunity opened up by the cessation of hostilities to put in place a formal ceasefire.