Sudan’s Military Chief Dismisses US-Led Ceasefire Initiative Amid Escalating Crisis

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Sudan's ongoing conflict faces a new hurdle as General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, the nation’s military leader, has turned down a U.S.-backed ceasefire plan, labeling it “the worst yet.” This rejection raises significant doubts about potential peace efforts in a war that has already devastated the country for more than two years.

The ceasefire proposal originated from a group referred to as the Quad—comprising the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE—and called for a three-month humanitarian pause followed by a nine-month political engagement. While the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) indicated their approval, Burhan dismissed it, alleging that mediators display bias and asserting that the plan weakens Sudan’s military and security apparatus.

The hostilities in Sudan began in April 2023, when tensions between the military and the RSF erupted into indiscriminate violence across Khartoum and beyond. The war has resulted in over 40,000 deaths, although aid organizations warn that the true casualty figure could be significantly higher. More than 14 million individuals have been forcibly displaced, exacerbating crises of famine and disease, contributing to what the U.N. describes as the largest humanitarian disaster globally.

Burhan criticized the Quad for what he perceives as favoritism towards the RSF, particularly targeting the UAE, which faces allegations from human rights groups of providing arms to the paramilitary forces—a claim that the UAE firmly denies. He further rejected U.S. engagement as an attempt to dictate conditions to Sudan’s military.

The general emphasized that a ceasefire could only be considered if the RSF completely vacates civilian districts, enabling displaced people to safely return home. “We are not warmongers, and we do not spurn peace,” Burhan asserted, underlining that any negotiations must respect Sudan’s sovereignty and security.

As hostilities progress, analysts caution that without a feasible compromise, the humanitarian landscape could further deteriorate, endangering millions who are already at risk of famine and displacement. The road to peace in Sudan remains precarious, fraught with internal strife and external pressures that complicate efforts for stability.