The warring factions in Sudan were presented with a peace proposal by the United States, according to U.S. envoy Massad Boulos on Tuesday. However, neither side has formally accepted the proposal, with the Sudanese army accusing their rivals of launching an attack despite declaring a ceasefire.
Boulos mentioned that although there were no objections to the content of the U.S.-proposed plan, the Sudanese army raised “preconditions” that he deemed unattainable. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the army’s adversary in the conflict, independently declared a halt to hostilities in line with U.S. recommendations on Monday. Nevertheless, the army reported repelling an assault on a base in Babanusa, located in the newest conflict zone in West Kordofan state, on Tuesday.
U.S. President Donald Trump had expressed his intention to intervene in resolving the conflict between the army and the RSF, which originated in April 2023 due to a struggle for power, leading to famine, ethnic violence, and mass displacement. Previous peace efforts involving the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates have not yielded results, with a joint proposal submitted to the conflicting parties in September.
Boulos, Trump’s adviser for African and Arab affairs, stated on Tuesday that a comprehensive truce proposal was presented, but neither the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) nor the RSF have formally accepted it. He indicated that the latest plan was an extension of the September proposal.
Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan criticized the recent U.S. proposal, labeling it as the worst he had seen, as it allegedly marginalized the army and conferred legitimacy upon the RSF. Boulos, in conjunction with Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the U.A.E. president, refuted Burhan’s criticisms, citing misinformation as the basis for his objections.
Previously, the Sudanese army had opposed the involvement of the U.A.E. in peace negotiations and insisted on a ceasefire only after the RSF withdrew its forces from civilian areas. The U.A.E. has faced accusations of arming the RSF, which it denies, with Gargash emphasizing on Tuesday that misleading claims would not deter their pursuit of peace.
Gargash also emphasized that Sudan’s future should not be dictated by the Muslim Brotherhood or associated groups, alluding to Islamist influence within the Sudanese army, a claim refuted by Burhan. Boulos mentioned that if the U.S. designates the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, affiliated groups in the region could be scrutinized.
In response to international pressure following brutal attacks on civilians by RSF forces, RSF chief Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo announced an immediate unilateral ceasefire on Monday. However, it remained unclear on Tuesday whether this ceasefire was upheld.
Boulos welcomed the RSF’s ceasefire declaration and expressed hope for its adherence. He underscored the necessity for halting external financial and military support to the conflicting parties, without specifying any countries. Khalid Aleisir, a government spokesperson for Sudan led by the army, deemed the RSF’s announcement a “clear political maneuver” aimed at diverting attention from alleged atrocities committed by its fighters. The RSF has denied reports of exaggerated atrocities and pledged accountability for any abuses committed.
