RSF Agrees to Humanitarian Truce Proposal Amid Ongoing Conflict in Sudan

Khartoum, Sudan - The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a Sudanese paramilitary group, announced on Thursday its acceptance of a humanitarian ceasefire proposal drafted by the Quad, a U.S.-led initiative involving Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The announcement comes against a backdrop of escalating violence and widespread humanitarian crisis in Sudan, particularly in the Darfur region.

Ceasefire Aims to Alleviate Humanitarian Crisis

The RSF, in its official statement, cited "the aspirations and interests of the Sudanese people" as the primary reason for agreeing to the truce. The specific terms of the ceasefire proposal have not yet been publicly disclosed, but it is understood to focus on facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to affected populations and creating safe passage for civilians.

The conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has raged since April 2023, plunging the nation into a deep political and humanitarian crisis. The fighting has resulted in widespread displacement, food insecurity, and a collapse of essential services, particularly healthcare. International organizations have repeatedly warned of the dire consequences of the ongoing conflict, with millions facing starvation and disease.

Context: The War in Sudan

The current conflict stems from a power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the SAF and de facto leader of Sudan, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of the RSF. The RSF emerged from the Janjaweed militias, which were responsible for atrocities in Darfur in the early 2000s. Following the ousting of long-time autocrat Omar al-Bashir in 2019, the SAF and RSF jointly governed Sudan in a fragile power-sharing arrangement. Tensions between the two factions escalated, culminating in the outbreak of armed conflict last year.

The situation in Darfur is particularly concerning. The RSF’s recent takeover of El Fasher, a strategic city in the region, has raised fears of further atrocities and a resurgence of ethnic violence. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is already investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by both sides in the conflict.

International Efforts and the Role of the Quad

The U.S.-led Quad initiative represents one of several international efforts aimed at mediating a ceasefire and finding a lasting political solution to the Sudanese crisis. Other actors, including the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), have also been involved in mediation attempts. However, progress has been slow, and previous ceasefire agreements have repeatedly failed to hold.

“The Quad’s involvement is significant because it brings together key regional and international players with influence over the warring parties,” says Dr. Fatima Hassan, a Sudanese political analyst based at the University of Khartoum. “Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have historically maintained close ties with both the SAF and the RSF, and their participation could potentially exert pressure on both sides to commit to a genuine ceasefire.”

Challenges Ahead

Despite the RSF's acceptance of the ceasefire proposal, significant challenges remain. The SAF has yet to formally respond to the initiative, and past experiences suggest that even if both sides agree to a ceasefire, enforcing it on the ground will be difficult.

Ensuring compliance by both the SAF and RSF. Monitoring and verification of the ceasefire agreement. Facilitating safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid. Addressing the root causes of the conflict and promoting a lasting political settlement.

“The success of this ceasefire will depend on the willingness of both the SAF and the RSF to prioritize the needs of the Sudanese people over their own political ambitions,” argues Ahmed Ibrahim, a humanitarian worker with a local NGO. “Without a genuine commitment to peace and reconciliation, the suffering will continue.”

The international community is closely watching the situation in Sudan, hoping that this latest ceasefire proposal will represent a genuine opportunity to de-escalate the conflict and alleviate the humanitarian crisis. However, skepticism remains high, and the road to peace is likely to be long and arduous.