Khartoum: In a potentially significant development in Sudan’s protracted internal conflict, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group, announced on Thursday that it has accepted a humanitarian ceasefire proposal put forward by the United States. The move aims to alleviate the severe suffering faced by civilians caught in the crossfire between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), whose relationship collapsed in April 2023 over disagreements concerning the integration of military forces under the transitional government.
The ceasefire proposal, framed as a temporary humanitarian pause, is intended to allow safe passage for aid agencies and relief workers to deliver much-needed food, medical supplies, and other essentials to civilians in besieged regions. Sudan’s conflict has already triggered widespread displacement, famine-like conditions, and escalating civilian casualties, particularly in areas such as North Darfur and Khartoum, where infrastructure has been heavily damaged.
While the RSF has formally signaled its acceptance of the U.S.-backed initiative, the SAF has expressed significant reservations. The army has reportedly demanded strict conditions, including the withdrawal of RSF forces from densely populated areas and the surrender of heavy weaponry before committing to any truce. Analysts note that the success of the ceasefire depends heavily on mutual compliance and the ability to enforce these conditions on the ground.
The U.S.-sponsored ceasefire is part of a broader diplomatic effort involving regional powers, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. These actors are attempting to stabilize Sudan, protect humanitarian corridors, and prevent the conflict from spilling over into neighboring countries. However, questions remain about enforcement mechanisms, the duration of the ceasefire, and monitoring processes to ensure both sides adhere to the agreement.
Experts warn that while the RSF’s agreement represents a tentative breakthrough, several hurdles remain. Factionalism within both the RSF and SAF, historical mistrust due to repeated failed ceasefires, and the logistical challenges of delivering aid in war-torn regions could undermine the initiative. Furthermore, any temporary truce may not address the deeper political and military issues fueling the conflict, such as power-sharing disputes and the long-standing unrest in Darfur.
For civilians, the ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope, with international humanitarian organizations preparing to ramp up relief operations. The success of the agreement could serve as a crucial test for U.S. and regional mediation efforts in Africa, highlighting both the potential and limitations of diplomatic intervention in intrastate conflicts.
The coming days will be critical in determining whether this ceasefire can transition from paper to practice. Key factors to watch include formal endorsement by the SAF, the immediate reduction of hostilities, access for humanitarian aid, and the establishment of monitoring mechanisms to prevent violations. For millions of Sudanese trapped in the ongoing violence, swift implementation could be a lifeline, while any delay or breach could exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis.