Sudan’s RSF Militia Announces Humanitarian Ceasefire
In a critical development in Sudan’s ongoing civil war, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group has agreed to a humanitarian ceasefire. The decision follows months of brutal conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which has killed thousands, displaced millions, and triggered a dire humanitarian emergency.
Sudan’s Conflict: A Brief Background
Violence erupted in April 2023 between the RSF and SAF, led respectively by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) and General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The power struggle has devastated Khartoum and reignited violence in Darfur, disrupting food supplies, destroying infrastructure, and forcing over 8 million people to flee.
The UN reports repeated attacks on hospitals, water facilities, and aid centers, leaving civilians without critical services.
Will the Ceasefire Bring Relief?
The RSF’s statement cited civilian suffering as its reason for agreeing to the ceasefire, but skepticism remains. Previous truces brokered by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia collapsed quickly. The SAF has not yet responded, raising doubts about compliance.
Humanitarian Crisis at a Tipping Point
Even if the ceasefire holds, aid groups face immense challenges. The WFP warns that 18 million Sudanese face acute hunger, with 5 million nearing famine. Safe humanitarian corridors are urgently needed, as aid workers often face violence or blockades.
Medical agencies like MSF report severe shortages of supplies, with cholera spreading in displacement camps due to unsanitary conditions.
Global Response to the Ceasefire
The U.S. and African Union (AU) cautiously welcomed the announcement, urging all sides to prioritize civilians. However, experts warn that without enforcement, the truce may fail, worsening regional instability as neighboring countries like Chad and South Sudan struggle with refugee inflows.
What Comes Next for Sudan?
While the ceasefire offers hope for aid delivery, long-term peace is uncertain. Both the RSF and SAF face war crime allegations, including ethnic killings in Darfur.
For now, securing humanitarian access is critical—but without a political resolution, Sudan risks further collapse.
