Sudan’s defense minister affirmed on Tuesday the army’s commitment to continue battling the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces following a meeting of the country’s security and defense council to review a ceasefire proposal from the United States.
In a televised address, Hassan Kabroun expressed gratitude to the Trump administration for its peace efforts, emphasizing ongoing preparations for the Sudanese people’s struggle. He stressed that readiness for conflict is a legitimate national prerogative, reiterating these sentiments after the council convened in Khartoum.
Specifics of the US ceasefire suggestion have not been disclosed publicly.
The conflict, which has resulted in numerous casualties and displacements over the past two years, has expanded to new regions in Sudan recently, heightening concerns of a worsening humanitarian crisis.
After mediating in various African and Middle Eastern disputes, the US government under Donald Trump is now advocating for a ceasefire in Sudan. Initial rejection by the authorities aligned with the army to a previous truce proposal, excluding both them and the paramilitary forces from a transitional political process.
The latest discussions come amidst escalating tensions, with the Rapid Support Forces positioning for an attack on central Kordofan after capturing El-Fasher, the final army stronghold in Darfur. Displaced individuals from El-Fasher recounted facing intimidation and violence from the RSF.
One resident, Mohamed Abdullah, narrated being accosted by RSF fighters while fleeing El-Fasher, recalling the harrowing experience of witnessing a body on the street en route to Tawila.
US Africa envoy Massad Boulos engaged in discussions in Egypt with Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and the Arab League, emphasizing the necessity for a humanitarian truce and comprehensive political process in Sudan.
Efforts by the Quad group, comprising the United States, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, have been ongoing to secure a ceasefire in Sudan’s protracted conflict. Previous proposals for a humanitarian truce, permanent ceasefire, and transition to civilian rule were rebuffed by the government.
Following the RSF’s capture of El-Fasher, reports emerged of grave violations, prompting the International Criminal Court to express deep concern over potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the conflicting parties to engage in negotiations to halt the escalating crisis in Sudan, which he described as spiraling out of control.
In Khartoum, children participated in an anti-paramilitary protest, holding signs imploring to spare women and children from violence. Both sides in the conflict face allegations of committing atrocities, with the UN accusing the UAE of arming the RSF.
The paramilitaries now control all Darfur state capitals following the fall of El-Fasher, raising apprehensions of Sudan’s partition along an east-west divide. The RSF dominates Darfur and parts of the south, while the army maintains control over the north, east, and central regions along the Nile and Red Sea.