Sudanese Army and RSF Reject U.S. Truce Plan Amid Ongoing Conflict

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has escalated as neither the Sudanese Army nor the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has formally accepted a proposed truce plan from the United States. Senior U.S. envoy Massad Boulos revealed on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi that while there were no objections to the contents of the “strong” plan, the army returned with “preconditions” that he deemed impossible to fulfill.

The conflict erupted in April 2023 amid a power struggle, leading to widespread famine, ethnic violence, and mass displacement. U.S. President Donald Trump stated last week that he would intervene to halt the fighting between the two factions. Previous diplomatic efforts led by the U.S., along with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, have failed to yield significant results. Boulos indicated that the latest initiative builds on a proposal made in September.

Boulos noted, “We have presented a strong text for a truce, but neither the SAF [Sudanese Armed Forces] nor RSF have formally accepted the text we put forward.” His remarks came during a press conference alongside Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the U.A.E. president.

The humanitarian situation in Sudan remains dire. According to the United Nations, approximately 90,000 people have fled the violence in El Fasher, with many more believed to be trapped. Aid groups are struggling to provide assistance as a news blackout continues in the region.

On Sunday, Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan criticized the U.S. proposal, labeling it the worst he had encountered. He claimed it marginalized the army while granting legitimacy to the RSF. Boulos responded by asserting that Burhan’s criticisms were based on incorrect information. The Sudanese army has previously objected to the U.A.E.’s involvement in peace talks and has stated it would only accept a truce after the RSF withdraws from civilian areas.

The U.A.E. has faced accusations of providing arms to the RSF, which it has denied. Gargash emphasized that “disingenuous claims and misinformation campaigns” would not deter the U.A.E. from pursuing peace. He added that Sudan’s future should not be dictated by the Muslim Brotherhood or associated groups, a reference to the Islamist influence within the Sudanese army, which Burhan has denied.

In a recent development, RSF chief Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo announced a unilateral ceasefire in response to international pressure following brutal attacks on civilians. As of Tuesday, it remained uncertain whether this ceasefire would hold.

Boulos welcomed the RSF’s declaration and expressed hope it would be maintained. He stressed that external financial and military support to the warring parties must cease, although he did not specify which countries he was referring to. Khalid Aleisir, spokesperson for the army-led government, dismissed the RSF’s announcement as a “clear political manoeuvre” designed to distract from atrocities committed by its fighters. The RSF has countered that reports of such atrocities have been exaggerated and asserted that individuals responsible for abuses will be held accountable.

As the conflict in Sudan continues, the humanitarian crisis deepens, with aid operations on the brink of collapse. The international community remains watchful, hoping for a resolution that will bring peace to the region.