Wayne Lumbasi
Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has declared a three month humanitarian ceasefire, offering a rare pause in the country’s devastating conflict. RSF commander General Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo framed the truce as a necessary step to ease civilian suffering and lay the groundwork for broader political negotiations. He called on the Quad nations -the United States, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia to ensure that the Sudanese army reciprocates and engages in meaningful talks.
The truce aims to allow safe passage for humanitarian aid, protect relief facilities and medical centers, and establish a monitoring mechanism under the supervision of the Quad and the African Union. Dagalo emphasized that this is not merely a pause in fighting, but an opportunity to begin political discussions to address the root causes of Sudan’s turmoil and guide the country toward stability.
However, the announcement met swift rejection from General Abdel Fattah al Burhan, head of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), who criticized the UAE’s role in mediation and dismissed the plan as favoring the RSF. The deep mistrust between the RSF and the army has fueled skepticism over whether the ceasefire will hold, especially given the RSF’s history of resuming attacks after previous agreements.
Sudan’s war, which erupted after a failed power sharing deal in 2023, has left tens of thousands dead and displaced over 14 million people. Allegations of atrocities committed by both sides, including the RSF, have worsened the humanitarian crisis. The truce could offer a vital lifeline for civilians, providing much needed space for aid delivery and potentially opening the door to political negotiations.
United Nations officials, while welcoming the gesture, remain cautious, noting that on the ground developments suggest preparations for renewed hostilities could continue. Despite these challenges, the RSF’s truce represents a glimmer of hope for a country long engulfed in violence, offering a brief but critical opportunity to reduce suffering and seek a path toward lasting peace.
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