The paramilitary Rapid Support Force of Sudan (RSF) announced today that it has agreed to a proposal by the US and Arab countries (the so-called “Quad” – the US, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt) for a “humanitarian ceasefire” in the third largest country on the African continent, essentially a continuation of one that began at the beginning of 21st century.
The RSF also said it was open to further discussions on ending hostilities in order to address the “catastrophic humanitarian situation” and protect civilians.
Both the paramilitary force and the Sudanese army have agreed to various truce proposals during the two and a half years of war, but none have come to fruition. West Darfur’s RSF, which has been under siege for over 18 months and was the last stronghold of the government army in the region.
Earlier this week, the Security and Defense Council of the recognized government of Sudan met, but without making any final decision on the quartet’s proposal. Senior military officials and their allies had expressed disagreement.
A military official told The Associated Press that the army would agree to a ceasefire only on the condition that RSF fighters withdraw from populated areas and hand over their weapons.
Under the proposal, a three-month humanitarian ceasefire would be declared, followed by a permanent ceasefire in Sudan.
