Sudan's RSF open to ceasefire with army

Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Tuesday their readiness to enter immediate and unconditional ceasefire discussions with the Sudanese army. The declaration was made as the RSF signed a joint statement with the Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum) in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo expressed full support for the declaration, stating, "I would sign it without hesitation if the army presented this document." The comprehensive declaration outlines commitments to repatriate millions of displaced individuals, establish secure passages, and integrate civilians into peace negotiations.

Sudan, currently facing the world's largest displacement crisis, has been embroiled in a nine-month conflict that has devastated its infrastructure and raised concerns about widespread famine. Despite diplomatic efforts led by the United States and Saudi Arabia, negotiations to resolve the conflict have failed, and previous agreements to protect civilians have been ignored.

The RSF's endorsement of the Addis Ababa Declaration represents a significant stride toward ending the protracted war, as it is intended to support future negotiations and facilitate a political resolution.

The Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum) delegation, led by former Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok, has been in Addis Ababa for talks with General Dagalo. Taqaddum has also extended an invitation to the commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Sudan’s de facto leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, urging him to meet with them.

During a rare foreign visit, General Dagalo has sought support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during stops in Uganda, Djibouti, and Ethiopia. The RSF has made significant military progress, seemingly gaining the upper hand in its struggle against the SAF.

General Dagalo held talks with President Yoweri Museveni, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, President Ismail Omar Guelleh and IGAD’s Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu. He is also likely to visit Nairobi to meet with Kenya’s President William Ruto. There are plans for Al Burhan and Dagalo to meet face-to-face under IGAD's auspices in Djibouti soon