Khartoum / Darfur – The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Thursday that it has accepted a humanitarian cease-fire proposal spearheaded by the United States Department of State and backed by Arab mediators. This marks a significant milestone in the more than two-year conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), though major hurdles remain before durable peace can be achieved.
What the Agreement Entails
- The cease-fire framework was developed by a “Quad” of mediators: the U.S., Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt. The National+1
- Under the plan, the first phase is a three-month humanitarian truce, aimed at enabling aid deliveries, protecting civilians and creating conditions for a subsequent broader cessation of hostilities. Al Jazeera+1
- In its statement, the RSF said it looks forward to “implementing the agreement and immediately commencing discussions on the arrangements for a cessation of hostilities and the fundamental principles guiding the political process in Sudan.” TimesLIVE+1
The RSF’s Motivation & Context
The RSF’s endorsement comes at a time when it has gained significant territorial advantages: notably, the group captured El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, after an 18-month siege. Al Jazeera+1
That offensive triggered widespread reports of atrocities, including mass killings and use of mass graves. IntelliNews+1 Some analysts interpret the cease-fire acceptance as a strategic move by the RSF to consolidate its gains, ease pressure, and gain legitimacy.
Why the Cease-Fire Isn’t Fully Secured Yet
- The SAF has not yet formally accepted the truce proposal. While it has expressed cautious support for the overarching framework, it insists on strict preconditions: RSF withdrawal from civilian areas and disarmament. Al Jazeera+1
- According to the United Nations, conflict indicators appear to be intensifying, not subsiding — raising doubts over how sustainable any agreement will be. Al Jazeera
- Cease-fires in this conflict have repeatedly failed in the past, raising concern over whether the RSF’s promise will translate into reality. Sky News
Humanitarian Implications
- Hundreds of thousands of civilians remain displaced, especially in Darfur, and many regions face severe food insecurity and restricted humanitarian access.
- The humanitarian truce would open corridors for aid, evacuations, and medical access — which the mediators and local actors say is urgent. The RSF statement highlighted the need to “address the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of the war.” The National
What Comes Next
- Negotiations are to begin immediately on the mechanics of the cessation of hostilities and the underlying political process. The RSF has stated its intention to engage.
- Monitoring will be required: verifying that the truce holds in practice, that civilians are protected, and that heavier issues (like political transition, disarmament, reintegration) are handled.
- The SAF’s conditions — especially for RSF to vacate civilian areas — will likely shape whether the truce truly takes hold.
- International actors – including the U.S. and Quad partners – will likely push for a political transition, including return to civilian rule, as part of the broader roadmap.
Why This Matters
- After more than 1000 days of war, the potential for a pause in violence gives a glimmer of hope for millions of Sudanese caught in the cross-fire.
- The truce, if upheld, could mark the first step toward ending one of Africa’s most devastating conflicts — but equally, failure could deepen the despair and fragmentation.
- The outcome will affect not just internal Sudanese dynamics, but regional stability (given neighboring states’ involvement) and the humanitarian burden on the international community.