Sudan’s RSF Agrees to US Proposal for Humanitarian Ceasefire
Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces agreed to a proposal from the United States and Arab powers for a humanitarian ceasefire.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of Sudan has agreed to a proposal from the United States and Arab powers for a humanitarian ceasefire.
The announcement comes after the RSF took control of the famine-stricken city of Al-Fashir, consolidating its grip on the vast western region of Darfur.
Both the RSF and the Sudanese army have agreed to various ceasefire proposals during their two-and-a-half-year-old conflict, though none have been successful.
The United States President's administration has stated that it is working towards ending the fighting in Sudan.
The agreement was announced by the RSF on Thursday, with no immediate response from the Sudanese army.
According to an RSF statement, they are open to talks regarding a cessation of hostilities and the fundamental principles guiding the political process in Sudan.
Earlier this week, the army-led Security and Defense Council met but did not give a definitive answer to the proposal.
However, influential leaders and allies within the army have expressed their disapproval.
The United States continues to engage directly with the parties to facilitate a humanitarian truce, according to a US State Department spokesperson.
The spokesperson has urged both sides to respond positively to the US-led effort to conclude a humanitarian truce due to the urgent need to de-escalate the violence and end the suffering of the Sudanese people.
In September, the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt called for a three-month humanitarian truce in Sudan to be followed by a permanent ceasefire.
Witnesses have reported that the RSF killed and abducted civilians during and after their capture of Al-Fashir, including summary executions, raising international concerns.
The leader of the RSF has called on fighters to protect civilians, stating that violations will be prosecuted.
The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF began in April 2023 when the two forces, who were previously partners in power, clashed over integration plans for their forces.
The ongoing conflict has devastated Sudan, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, widespread hunger, and the displacement of millions of people.
The announcement comes after the RSF took control of the famine-stricken city of Al-Fashir, consolidating its grip on the vast western region of Darfur.
Both the RSF and the Sudanese army have agreed to various ceasefire proposals during their two-and-a-half-year-old conflict, though none have been successful.
The United States President's administration has stated that it is working towards ending the fighting in Sudan.
The agreement was announced by the RSF on Thursday, with no immediate response from the Sudanese army.
According to an RSF statement, they are open to talks regarding a cessation of hostilities and the fundamental principles guiding the political process in Sudan.
Earlier this week, the army-led Security and Defense Council met but did not give a definitive answer to the proposal.
However, influential leaders and allies within the army have expressed their disapproval.
The United States continues to engage directly with the parties to facilitate a humanitarian truce, according to a US State Department spokesperson.
The spokesperson has urged both sides to respond positively to the US-led effort to conclude a humanitarian truce due to the urgent need to de-escalate the violence and end the suffering of the Sudanese people.
In September, the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt called for a three-month humanitarian truce in Sudan to be followed by a permanent ceasefire.
Witnesses have reported that the RSF killed and abducted civilians during and after their capture of Al-Fashir, including summary executions, raising international concerns.
The leader of the RSF has called on fighters to protect civilians, stating that violations will be prosecuted.
The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF began in April 2023 when the two forces, who were previously partners in power, clashed over integration plans for their forces.
The ongoing conflict has devastated Sudan, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, widespread hunger, and the displacement of millions of people.