Sudan military leader Burhan rejects US-led ceasefire plan, accuses Quad of favouring RSF

Sudan military leader Burhan rejects US-led ceasefire plan, accuses Quad of favouring RSF

The Quad—comprising the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—has spent over two years trying to end the war and revive Sudan’s stalled transition to civilian rule.

Sudan's military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has rejected a new ceasefire plan from US-led mediators, calling it “one of the worst proposals” aimed at resolving the country's ongoing conflict.

The war has killed more than 40,000 people, displaced over 14 million, and pushed parts of Sudan into famine, creating one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.

In a video statement on Sunday, Burhan accused the mediators, known as the Quad, of taking sides and presenting an offer that, in his view, undermines the national army while favouring the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Stalled transition

The Quad—comprising the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—has spent over two years trying to end the war and revive Sudan’s stalled transition to civilian rule.

According to a US adviser, Massad Boulos, the latest proposal calls for a three-month humanitarian ceasefire, followed by nine months of political talks.

However, Burhan insists the plan sidelines the military, dismantles key security bodies, and allows RSF forces to retain the areas they currently control.

“The paper presented by the Quad through US Adviser Massad Boulos... is considered the worst paper to be presented, as it nullifies the existence of the Armed Forces, demands the dissolution of all security agencies, and maintains the rebellious militia in its positions,” Burhan said, according to The Sudan Tribune.

Burhan also singled out Boulos, accusing him of pressuring the military and warning that the mediation effort risks losing credibility if it continues on this path.

Criticised UAE

He further criticised the UAE, questioning its role in the Quad amid repeated reports linking it to the RSF.

“The UAE cannot be accepted as a mediator in the crisis,” Burhan said.

Additionally, he rejected claims that the army is linked to extremist groups or has used chemical weapons, insisting that such accusations are false.

Burhan added that the military would only agree to a truce once RSF forces withdraw from civilian areas, allowing displaced families to return home safely, after which political negotiations could begin.

“We are not warmongers and do not reject peace, but no one can threaten us or dictate conditions to us,” he said.

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