Sudan’s warring factions have agreed in principle to a US mediated humanitarian truce, marking a potential breakthrough in the conflict that has devastated the Northeast African nation since April 2023.
Massad Boulos, the US Senior Adviser for Arab and African Affairs, confirmed that both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have accepted the initial framework for a ceasefire. “Both parties have agreed in principle, and we have not recorded any initial objection from either side. We are now focusing on the fine details,” Boulos stated.
The US brokered initiative operates within a framework established by the International Quad, comprising the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The agreement aims to achieve two primary objectives that could reshape the humanitarian landscape in Sudan.
The proposed truce would last for three months, enabling the delivery of emergency aid across Sudan, where conditions are described as very urgent and painful. El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, faces particularly dire circumstances requiring immediate humanitarian intervention.
Beyond immediate relief, the agreement is designed to serve as a stepping stone toward a permanent cessation of hostilities and a subsequent nine month transition to a civilian led government. This longer term vision offers hope for political stability in a nation torn apart by internal conflict.
While direct negotiations are not currently underway, a US led communication channel is facilitating the process to translate the initial agreement into a detailed and actionable plan on the ground. The mechanism allows both parties to engage without face to face meetings, addressing practical concerns about implementation.
The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people since fighting erupted over a year ago. According to Boulos, the US primary concerns remain addressing the immediate humanitarian catastrophe, achieving lasting peace, and preserving Sudan’s unity.
The ongoing war between the army and the RSF has defied numerous regional and international mediation attempts throughout the past year. Multiple ceasefires have been announced and broken, leaving civilians trapped in worsening conditions with limited access to food, water, and medical supplies.
The success of this latest US led effort now hinges on securing a complete cessation of hostilities and translating the agreement in principle into concrete action. International observers remain cautiously optimistic, recognizing that previous attempts have faltered during implementation phases.
Both the SAF and RSF have previously agreed to temporary truces that subsequently collapsed amid mutual accusations of violations. The three month timeframe represents an ambitious attempt to create sufficient breathing room for humanitarian operations while building trust between the opposing forces.
