Key facts
- The Sudanese army has stated that any broad acceptance of a U.S. peace proposal requires the full withdrawal of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from occupied cities.
- A U.S. proposal offered a 90-day humanitarian truce and a UN-led mechanism for limited RSF withdrawals.
- The army's demand for a complete withdrawal from cities occupied since May 2023 was a key objection.
- The RSF has welcomed the proposal and submitted a response, though details were not provided.
- The conflict, which began in April 2023, has displaced millions and caused widespread hunger and disease.
The Sudanese army has indicated that a comprehensive acceptance of a U.S.-led peace proposal hinges on the complete withdrawal of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from all cities they have occupied. This demand represents a significant hurdle in the ongoing efforts to end the civil war that erupted in April 2023.
A U.S. proposal presented last month outlined a 90-day humanitarian truce, intended to pave the way for negotiations on a permanent ceasefire and a civilian-led transition. The plan also included a UN-led mechanism to facilitate limited withdrawals by the RSF, with a focus on areas like North Darfur and North Kordofan, which have recently seen intense fighting and RSF advances.
While the Sudanese government accepted most aspects of the proposal, it raised objections to the limited scope of the RSF withdrawal. Documents seen by Reuters confirmed the army's stance that the plan must mandate the RSF's departure from all cities occupied since May 11, 2023. This demand for a broad withdrawal has been a recurring obstacle in past peace initiatives.
The U.S. State Department and the Sudanese Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, U.S. Senior Adviser Massad Boulos had previously expressed optimism, stating that Sudanese army head General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan had accepted the proposal, contrary to earlier reports of rejection.
The RSF, accused by UN experts of committing genocide in Darfur, stated that it had received and welcomed the proposal, submitting a written response without providing further details. The paramilitary force is currently engaged in drone operations in the Kordofan region. The conflict has resulted in millions displaced, hundreds of thousands killed, and a severe humanitarian crisis.