Cairo: Sudan’s conflict shows no sign of slowing down as the head of the Sudanese Armed Forces, General Abdel Fattah al Burhan, has firmly rejected a new ceasefire proposal led by the United States and its regional partners. The plan had called for a three month humanitarian truce followed by a wider political process to end the country’s devastating civil war.

While the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces said earlier this month that they were ready to accept the proposal, the army dismissed the terms as unacceptable. General Burhan said the plan was the worst proposal presented so far and claimed it would weaken the national army while allowing the RSF to keep control of the areas it captured during the conflict. He accused some mediators, especially the United Arab Emirates, of favoring the RSF.

The refusal has deepened concerns among international observers who warn that the war is entering a more dangerous phase. The United Nations recently described the situation in the Darfur region as a crime scene after the RSF took control of large parts of El Fasher. Aid officials say civilians have faced intense violence, mass displacement and severe shortages of food, water and medicine.

Analysts believe the RSF’s promise to accept the ceasefire may be a strategic move aimed at gaining time to strengthen its positions. They warn that neither side appears ready to compromise, making a nationwide truce unlikely in the near future.

The ongoing fighting has killed tens of thousands of people and forced millions from their homes since the war began last year. Humanitarian agencies say they need urgent access to conflict zones, but deliveries remain extremely difficult because of insecurity and blocked routes.

Regional and international powers continue to push for dialogue, but political progress remains slow. With trust between the two forces at its lowest point, diplomats fear that the suffering of civilians will only increase unless a breakthrough is reached soon.