Sudan's RSF agrees to U.S. proposal for humanitarian ceasefire

Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Thursday that it had accepted a proposal from the United States and Arab powers for a humanitarian ceasefire and expressed readiness to enter talks on a broader cessation of hostilities.

Both the RSF and the Sudanese army have previously agreed to several ceasefire initiatives during their two-and-a-half-year conflict, though none have held. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has said it is working to bring an end to the fighting in Sudan.

The statement, to which the Sudanese army has yet to respond, comes less than two weeks after the RSF seized control of the famine-stricken city of al-Fashir, tightening its grip on the vast western region of Darfur.

“The Rapid Support Forces also 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,” the group said in a statement.

Earlier this week, Sudan’s army-led Security and Defence Council met to discuss the proposal but stopped short of issuing a formal response. Some senior military figures and allies have reportedly voiced their opposition.

In September, the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt jointly called for a three-month humanitarian truce in Sudan, to be followed by a permanent ceasefire.

Witnesses have accused the RSF of killing and abducting civilians during and after its capture of al-Fashir, including carrying out summary executions — allegations that have sparked international alarm. The group’s leader has instructed his fighters to protect civilians and vowed that any violations would be prosecuted.

The conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese army began in April 2023, when the former partners in government clashed over plans to merge their forces.

The fighting has devastated Sudan, leaving tens of thousands dead, driving millions from their homes, and pushing much of the country to the brink of famine.

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