Humanitarian Truce Approved by Rapid Support Forces
On Thursday, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced its approval of a humanitarian truce proposed by the Quad mechanism, marking a significant step toward potential cessation of hostilities in Sudan. In a statement, the RSF expressed its agreement to enter into the humanitarian truce, emphasizing the need to address the catastrophic humanitarian effects of the war and enhance civilian protection.
The RSF stated that it looks forward to applying the agreement and immediately starting discussions on arrangements for the cessation of hostilities, as well as the basic principles for Sudan’s political track. The purpose of these discussions is to “address the root causes of wars, end the suffering of the Sudanese people, and create a conducive environment for a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace.”
The roadmap, proposed on September 12 by the Quad—comprising the United States, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt—calls for a three-month humanitarian truce followed by a ceasefire and a political process. This initiative aims to provide immediate relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict while laying the groundwork for a more sustainable resolution.
The U.S. is continuing to engage directly with Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF to facilitate the truce, according to a State Department spokesperson. The spokesperson urged both sides to move forward in response to the U.S.-led effort to conclude a humanitarian truce, highlighting the immediate urgency of de-escalating the violence and ending the suffering of the Sudanese people. Washington remains committed to working with its partners, including the Quad, to resolve the crisis in Sudan.
Ambiguity from the Sudanese Army
The RSF’s acceptance of the truce comes amid uncertainty from the Sudanese army. Army leaders have made recent pledges to continue the war and eliminate the RSF, which is widely seen as a rejection of the truce. This apparent contradiction raises questions about the willingness of all parties involved to commit to peace.
This stance contrasts with assurances made mid-week in Cairo by U.S. Advisor on Africa, Massad Boulos, who stated that both warring parties had agreed in principle to the truce and were working on its details. However, the lack of clarity from the SAF suggests that the path to peace remains uncertain.
Shift in RSF’s Position
This move marks a shift for the RSF, which had previously refused a similar humanitarian truce proposed by the UN on June 27 for El Fasher. At that time, the army had agreed to the proposal, indicating a willingness to engage in dialogue. The RSF’s current acceptance of the Quad’s truce proposal highlights a change in strategy, possibly driven by the increasing pressure from international actors and the growing humanitarian crisis.
International Involvement
The involvement of the Quad and the U.S. in facilitating the truce underscores the global concern over the situation in Sudan. As the conflict continues to escalate, the international community is increasingly focused on finding a diplomatic solution that can bring stability to the region.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite the RSF’s approval, the road to a lasting peace remains fraught with challenges. The Sudanese army’s refusal to acknowledge the truce poses a significant obstacle. Additionally, the complex dynamics between the various factions within Sudan complicate efforts to achieve a unified approach to resolving the conflict.
Conclusion
The RSF’s decision to accept the humanitarian truce represents a critical moment in the ongoing conflict in Sudan. While it offers hope for a temporary reduction in violence, the broader political and military landscape remains uncertain. The success of this truce will depend on the willingness of all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and work towards a comprehensive and lasting peace.