Senior US envoy Massad Boulos announced Tuesday that neither of Sudan’s feuding military factions formally accepted a “strong” truce proposal presented by the United States. Despite presenting the comprehensive plan, Boulos told reporters in Abu Dhabi the Sudanese army demanded “preconditions” he deemed absolutely impossible to achieve.
US President Donald Trump promised intervention last week to stop the brutal conflict between the army (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This devastating power struggle, which began in April 2023, already triggered widespread famine, horrific ethnic killings, and massive human displacement across the nation.
Diplomatic Standoff
Boulos, President Trump’s advisor for African and Arab affairs, confirmed the latest plan built upon a similar proposal that previous mediation efforts by the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE failed to solidify last September.
However, army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan immediately criticized the American proposal, labeling it the worst he had seen because it appeared to sideline the army and grant legitimacy to the RSF. Consequently, Boulos clarified that Burhan’s public criticisms stemmed only from inaccurate information and denied the army’s claims.
The Sudanese army previously objected to the UAE’s inclusion in peace talks, repeatedly stating they would only accept a truce after the RSF withdrew entirely from civilian areas.
The UAE, widely accused of arming the RSF, vehemently denied the claims, with diplomatic advisor Anwar Gargash stating that “disingenuous campaigns” would not stop the country from pursuing peace initiatives.
RSF Declares Unilateral Ceasefire
Furthermore, under international pressure after recent civilian attacks, RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo announced a unilateral ceasefire on Monday. Observers struggled on Tuesday to confirm whether RSF units respected the pledge. However, Boulos welcomed the announcement and expressed hope for its continuation, urging all foreign financial and military support for Sudan’s warring factions to end.
Meanwhile, Sudanese government spokesman Khalid Aleisir dismissed the RSF move as a political maneuver designed to divert attention from abuses by its fighters. The RSF said reports of atrocities were exaggerated and insisted it would hold offenders accountable.
Boulos noted that if Washington proceeds with designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, regional affiliates could face scrutiny.
