RSF calls for ceasefire, blames military for stalling Sudan's peace efforts

Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Monday called for a ceasefire in the war-torn Sudan. The group, while addressing an international press conference in Nairobi, said their efforts to have the war in Sudan end have been frustrated by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and rebel groups.

Led by RSF head of delegation to Nairobi, Brigadier Omer Hamdan Ahmed, the group said that their stance has always been to support peace, justice, and democratic civilian governance led by inclusive political forces that reflect Sudan’s diversity, especially the historically marginalised, including women and youth.

Omer said that the October 25 coup disrupted the democratic transition, forcing them to take a principled stand to correct its position by working tirelessly with civilian forces, the Trilateral Mechanism (comprising the UN, African Union, and

IGAD), and the Quad (the US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the UK) to restore the democratic path.

"Despite these efforts, the SAF leadership, under the influence of elements from the ousted regime, obstructed progress and derailed the transition," he said.

Omer who was flanked by RSF advisors, Mohammed Ahmoukhair and Ezzaden Elsafi, said in the spirit of advancing democratic reform, the RSF agreed to the principles of military and security reform and a unified army.

He went further to note that on March 15, 2023, they signed a framework agreement addressing these principles and conveyed to international mediators that only one issue—related to command and control—remained unresolved, which was to be negotiated.

"A final agreement was expected in April 2023 to ensure the permanent removal of military influence from politics. Unfortunately, the SAF leadership reneged on these commitments, culminating in the outbreak of war on April 15."

Head of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF)Delegation Omer Hamdan Ahmed and RSF Adviser Mohammed Ahmoukhair during a press briefing in Nairobi on Monday. (Barack Oduor)

The group claimed that the war then began with a coordinated attack on RSF positions in southern Khartoum.

"Despite attempts by the RSF Commander to de-escalate through direct communication with SAF leaders and international mediators, SAF forces launched widespread assaults, leaving the RSF no choice but to defend itself," said Mohammed.

They regretted that the conflict has since devastated Khartoum and other regions, claiming thousands of lives, displacing millions, and triggering an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

According to RSF, the SAF has deliberately obstructed humanitarian aid to areas under its control, exacerbating civilian suffering.

"As this war escalates, it threatens regional stability and international peace and security," added Mohammed.

The group recognised that ending the war requires a nationwide ceasefire and a comprehensive political process to address Sudan’s deep-rooted issues.

"For this reason, the RSF has engaged seriously in all peace initiatives as the RSF leadership has consistently prioritised peace. However, despite our serious engagement, the SAF leadership, aligned with remnants of the old regime, continued to prepare for war, undermining every effort for peace."

They claimed also to have made numerous humanitarian commitments, including during Geneva talks facilitated by the UN, even in the absence of SAF participation.

"The RSF unequivocally welcomes all regional and international initiatives aimed at achieving comprehensive peace and

restoring Sudan’s democratic transition. Despite controlling significant parts of Sudan, including Darfur, Al-Jazira, Kordofan, and much of Khartoum, we remain fully committed to an immediate nationwide ceasefire, ensuring the passage of humanitarian aid, and creating safe corridors for civilians and aid workers," said Ahmed.