Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has announced open-ended unilateral ceasefires in fighting with rebels in two conflict-hit states.
The announcement, on the occasion of the National Martyr's Day, comes amid nationwide protests against President Bashir, who seized power in a 1989 military coup.
Addressing a rally in Kadugli town on Monday, Bashir said: “I announce from Kadugli here an extension of the ceasefire until peace is achieved.”
The Sudanese leader reiterated his commitment to achieve peace in South Kordofan and Blue Nile States where fighting between government forces and rebels has killed many people and displaced millions.
"We are ready to go to any place to bring peace to this area,” Bashir, dressed in military uniform, told his supporters in South Kordofan.
But President Bashir made no mention of the conflict-hit region of Darfur.
Fighting between the Sudanese army and SPLM-N rebels in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states broke out in 2011, when South Sudan obtained its independence.
The insurgency in Darfur began in 2003, as opposition groups took up arms against Bashir's government.
However, several rounds of peace negotiations between Sudan’s government and the rebels have ended without a peace agreement.
President Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face charges of war crimes in Darfur. He denies the charges.