Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced late Monday that they would begin a three-month humanitarian ceasefire, a move presented as a unilateral step following renewed international efforts to halt a conflict that has driven the country into severe famine and displacement crises.
The announcement came days after U.S. President Donald Trump stated publicly that Washington would seek to push both Sudan’s army and the RSF toward an agreement to stop the war. A coalition of mediators—the United States, United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, known informally as the Quad—recently proposed a structured plan beginning with a 90-day cessation of hostilities and leading to formal peace negotiations.
Conflicting Responses From Warring Sides
Although the RSF initially signaled support for the Quad proposal earlier this month, the gesture was overshadowed by a wave of drone attacks launched against Sudanese army positions shortly afterward. Monday’s declaration indicated that this latest ceasefire was being offered independently, without confirmation of reciprocal action from the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, said the truce was a direct response to “international efforts, particularly those led by President Trump,” urging the Quad nations to ensure “the other side engages seriously.”
His announcement followed a forceful rejection of the same proposal by SAF leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan the day before. Burhan criticized the inclusion of the UAE as a mediator, aligning with widespread allegations that the Gulf state supplied weapons to the RSF—claims the UAE has repeatedly denied, insisting its priority is ending the conflict.
Growing Concerns Over RSF Conduct
The timing of the RSF’s ceasefire pledge comes amid increasing global scrutiny of the force’s conduct following its capture of al-Fashir in late October. Control of the city effectively consolidated RSF dominance across Darfur, a region long scarred by violence. Humanitarian groups have reported rising attacks in neighbouring Kordofan, where analysts fear the RSF is positioning itself to expand control over more territory.
Conditions for civilians have deteriorated sharply. Medical teams in displacement areas, including international organizations such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), have been treating large numbers of people fleeing recent fighting as humanitarian access continues to shrink.
Political Tensions Over Mediation and Accusations
Burhan, in his weekend address, argued that the U.S.-backed initiative would “undermine the national army” and accused Washington of misrepresenting the ideological leanings within his government. He claimed that Sudanese citizens “will not accept these rebels” as part of any future political settlement.
The UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, responded Monday by accusing Burhan of obstructing diplomatic efforts and rejecting ceasefire opportunities that could relieve civilian suffering.
Conflict Enters Third Year With Devastating Impact
The Sudanese civil war erupted in April 2023 after a breakdown in negotiations over integrating the SAF and RSF into a unified national military. Since then, the fighting has devastated major regions of the country, creating one of the world’s fastest-growing humanitarian emergencies.
Tens of thousands of civilians have died, with violence often taking on ethnic dimensions. The RSF has faced international accusations of committing atrocities in Darfur, and both Hemedti and Burhan remain under U.S. sanctions. Aid agencies warn that famine conditions—already severe in several regions—could worsen rapidly unless sustained access and a verified ceasefire take effect.
Whether the SAF will respond to the RSF’s unilateral truce remains uncertain, leaving the future of negotiations—and hopes of easing Sudan’s crisis—still deeply fragile.
Source:Africa Publicity
