Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced a three-month unilateral humanitarian truce on Monday, just a day after the Sudanese army rejected a U.S.-backed peace proposal extended by international mediators.
The RSF said the ceasefire aims to allow the safe delivery of aid and prevent further civilian suffering, but noted that it would not result in disarmament or a full end to operations. The RSF stressed its commitment to pausing hostilities only in key contested zones, adding that areas outside of RSF control may remain active conflict zones.
In a sharp response, the Sudanese army dismissed the U.S. initiative, calling it one-sided and claiming it would legitimise RSF control over strategic territories. Army officials also accused the RSF of using the truce as a tactic to regroup and rearm, rather than genuinely compromise.
The conflict, now in its second year, has triggered a worsening humanitarian crisis, with thousands killed and millions displaced. International mediators have repeatedly attempted to negotiate a lasting ceasefire, but breakdowns continue as both sides jockey for power and territory.
Humanitarian groups welcomed the RSF announcement but cautioned that unilateral measures without solid verification mechanisms risk being ignored or manipulated. Meanwhile, diplomatic pressure on Khartoum is mounting: the United States, European nations, and Arab partners have called for renewed negotiations and offered to intensify peacekeeping and aid missions if both parties demonstrate sustained commitment to the truce.
As the situation remains fragile, observers say the RSF’s truce attempt could be a litmus test for future diplomacy, but warn that lasting peace will require more than a temporary pause.
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