Full Breakdown
Sudan's Civil War: Stalled Peace Efforts Amid Ongoing Violence
11/26/2025, 4:33:50 AM
Overview of the Conflict
Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, the displacement of over 12 million people, and has been described by the United Nations as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Recent attempts at mediation by a coalition known as "the Quad," comprising the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have failed to yield a lasting ceasefire.
Recent Developments in Peace Negotiations
On November 24, 2025, U.S. envoy Massad Boulos announced that neither the SAF nor the RSF had formally accepted a new truce proposal. The RSF had declared a unilateral three-month ceasefire, purportedly in response to international efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump. However, the SAF accused the RSF of continuing attacks, including a recent assault on Babanusa, a strategic location in West Kordofan. Boulos emphasized the need for both factions to accept the ceasefire plan without preconditions, which the SAF has rejected, citing the UAE's involvement as biased.
Criticism of the Peace Proposal
Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the SAF, condemned the latest proposal as "the worst ever," claiming it undermines the army while legitimizing the RSF. He accused Boulos of imposing conditions and suggested that the UAE's participation in negotiations compromised the integrity of the peace process. Burhan's statements reflect a broader skepticism towards foreign mediation, particularly regarding the UAE, which has been accused of supporting the RSF with military resources—allegations the UAE denies.
Humanitarian Impact and Atrocities
The ongoing conflict has led to severe humanitarian consequences, with reports of mass killings, ethnic cleansing, and sexual violence attributed to the RSF, particularly following its capture of el-Fasher in Darfur. International organizations, including Amnesty International, have documented these atrocities, raising alarms about the RSF's actions. Despite these allegations, the RSF has denied any wrongdoing and announced an internal investigation into abuses committed by its forces.
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the criticism of the peace plan, Boulos stated that the SAF's objections were based on misinformation. He expressed hope that the RSF's ceasefire declaration would hold, while also calling for an end to external military support for both sides. UAE officials, including Anwar Gargash, have condemned the SAF's refusal to engage in peace talks, labeling it as obstructive behavior.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the RSF has declared a ceasefire, the SAF has reported ongoing hostilities, indicating a lack of trust between the two factions. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with conflicting reports on the number of casualties and the extent of atrocities committed. Estimates suggest that up to 150,000 people may have died since the conflict began, though the true toll could be significantly higher.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
As the civil war continues, the prospects for peace remain uncertain. Both the SAF and RSF appear entrenched in their positions, believing they can achieve victory through military means. The international community, particularly the Quad, faces significant challenges in facilitating a resolution to the conflict, as both sides remain unwilling to compromise. The situation underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and unbiased approach to peace negotiations that addresses the underlying issues fueling the conflict.
