As the conflict in Sudan continues to escalate, the prospect of a ceasefire remains uncertain, although the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have expressed readiness for truce talks. This precarious situation illustrates the complexity of achieving peace in a nation ravaged by civil war, underscoring the importance of international diplomacy and mediation efforts, particularly from stakeholders like the United States and Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Loud explosions rattled Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, shortly after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) indicated their openness to a truce following two years of intense conflict with the government-aligned Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Reports highlighted that the early morning attacks targeted Omdurman and the army-held Atbara to the north, although army air defense systems intercepted much of the onslaught.
The day prior, the RSF had positively responded to a ceasefire proposal put forth by the Quad—a coalition comprising the United States, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia—aimed at establishing a three-month humanitarian pause before transitioning to a permanent ceasefire. This proposal also seeks to facilitate a political shift towards civilian governance in Sudan.
SAF has yet to issue an official response, although a Sudanese military official expressed an openness to the plan, contingent on the RSF’s withdrawal from civilian areas and disarmament. Observers note that both parties appear poised to engage in ongoing combat until their respective demands are met.
In recent months, Khartoum had experienced a period of relative stability since the regular army regained control, but the RSF continues to execute operations across various regions. According to the Sudan Tribune, U.S. diplomatic channels have sought to encourage army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to embrace the ceasefire in exchange for lifting sanctions and facilitating investment opportunities in the mining sector.
The RSF’s declaration to agree to a truce came just over a week after it captured el-Fasher, a crucial city in the Darfur region, marking an escalation of hostilities characterized by severe violence, including mass killings and reports of sexual violence, evoking widespread international condemnation. Concerns are rising over the potential for further atrocities, particularly as fighting intensifies toward Khartoum and the rich oil-producing areas in Kordofan.
Allegations have arisen from the United Nations accusing the United Arab Emirates of supplying arms to the RSF, which Emirati officials have strongly refuted. Senior UAE diplomat Anwar Gargash highlighted a critical error on behalf of the international community in supporting both al-Burhan and RSF commander General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, dubbed “Hemedti,” following the ousting of a Western-backed coalition government in 2021.
The conflict erupted in 2023 as tensions escalated between al-Burhan and Dagalo, leading to an estimated death toll of at least 40,000, according to the World Health Organization. However, aid organizations suggest the real toll could be significantly higher. Civilians have borne the brunt of this devastating conflict, with the United Nations classifying the situation as a humanitarian catastrophe of the worst kind.
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