Sudan’s army chief rejects quad truce proposal as ‘worst yet’ amid mediation row

Key Concepts

• Quad Mediators: A group comprising the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, involved in mediating a ceasefire in Sudan.
• Rapid Support Forces (RSF): A paramilitary group in Sudan.
• Sudanese Army: The official military force of Sudan.
• Ceasefire Proposals: Offers for a temporary halt in fighting.
• Kurdufan Region: A strategically important region in Sudan, linking western, central, eastern, and northern parts of the country.
• Displacement: The forced movement of people from their homes.

Ceasefire Prospects and Rejection of Quad Proposal

The situation in Sudan is characterized by conflicting prospects for a ceasefire. Two main mediation efforts are underway:

1. Quad-led Initiative: This proposal, involving the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, includes a three-month ceasefire, followed by humanitarian access and negotiations for a civilian-led transitional government.

   • RSF Acceptance: The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have welcomed this proposal.
   • Sudanese Army Rejection: The Sudanese Army, led by Chief General Abdul Fatah al-Burhan, has rejected this proposal.
     • Reason for Rejection: General al-Burhan stated that the Quad is biased due to the inclusion of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which he has accused of backing the RSF. He also argued that the proposal appears to favor the RSF by suggesting that only the RSF would remain as an armed force, excluding the Sudanese Army and other security forces. This, he believes, leans towards the RSF's objectives rather than those of the Sudanese Army and its allies.

2. Saudi-led Initiative: Details of a proposal led by Saudi Arabia are currently scarce ("very, very thin"). It is unclear if any specific terms have been presented to either the Sudanese government or the RSF. While Saudi Arabia has urged US President Donald Trump to get involved in peace efforts, the specifics of their mediation remain unarticulated in the transcript.

Despite the RSF's stated acceptance of the Quad's ceasefire proposal, they continue to engage in fighting with the Sudanese Army, casting doubt on the viability of this prospect.

Current Military Situation and RSF Advance

The conflict is actively ongoing, with the RSF and the Sudanese Army battling for control of territory, particularly in the Kurdufan region.

• Strategic Importance of Kurdufan: This region is crucial as it connects the western parts of Sudan to its central, eastern, and northern areas.
• Control of Key Cities: The Sudanese Army is attempting to maintain control over its existing territories, including the capitals of North Kurdufan (Al-Obeid) and South Kurdufan. However, these cities are reportedly under siege by the RSF.
• Army's Advance towards Al-Huwaiyat: The Sudanese Army has been making efforts to advance towards Al-Huwaiyat in North Kurdufan. This move is aimed at securing their control over the Kurdufan region and potentially opening a pathway to regain territory in the Darfur region.
• Conflicting Claims: Both sides are asserting their gains. The RSF claims to have pushed back the army, while the army reports inching closer to taking over more territory in North Kurdufan.

Humanitarian Impact

The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant displacement. The UN has reported that over 100,000 people have been displaced from the Kurdufan region in recent days.

Conclusion

The prospects for a ceasefire in Sudan remain uncertain. The Sudanese Army has outright rejected the Quad's proposal, citing bias and perceived favoritism towards the RSF. While the RSF claims to accept the Quad's terms, their continued fighting undermines this assertion. The Saudi-led initiative's details are not yet clear. Meanwhile, the conflict persists with intense fighting for control of the strategically vital Kurdufan region, leading to substantial civilian displacement. The Sudanese Army Chief's strong stance against the Quad, particularly the UAE's involvement, highlights a significant hurdle in the mediation process.