Sudan's RSF Announces Humanitarian Ceasefire Amid Escalating Crisis

Thu Nov 06 2025 22:26:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a surprising move, Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have agreed to a humanitarian ceasefire following international proposals, raising hopes for aid delivery amidst ongoing conflict and humanitarian disaster in the region.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of Sudan have accepted a US-backed proposal for a temporary humanitarian ceasefire, marking a potential shift in the ongoing conflict that has caused widespread famine and suffering. This comes after the RSF seized el-Fasher, leading to thousands fleeing and dire humanitarian conditions. The Sudanese government is yet to respond formally to the ceasefire.

Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has agreed to a proposal from the US for a humanitarian ceasefire, the group announced on Thursday. This statement follows the RSF's recent capture of the city of el-Fasher in western Darfur, a development that has intensified the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.

Despite the RSF's declaration, Sudan's military-led government has yet to provide a formal response. The RSF made this announcement after an 18-month siege that hindered humanitarian aid, leading to starvation among trapped residents. According to a UN-backed report, the situation has reached famine conditions in el-Fasher.

The RSF has faced growing scrutiny and international condemnation due to allegations of mass killings by its troops, which the group has denied. However, they have acknowledged that violations have occurred at the hands of individual soldiers, resulting in some arrests.

Since a civil war erupted in April 2023 between Sudan's army and the RSF, various ceasefire proposals have been discussed but none have succeeded. In a recent effort led by the US, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, a three-month humanitarian truce was proposed, aiming to transition towards a permanent ceasefire and civilian governance.

In its statement, the RSF expressed its willingness to engage in a truce to address the dire humanitarian consequences of the conflict, emphasizing the importance of allowing for urgent aid delivery.

Additionally, the RSF's announcement arrives on the heels of warnings from aid organizations about the near collapse of community kitchens that serve as vital support for many amid the civil war. These kitchens have struggled with resources and volunteer fatigue but remain crucial lifelines for millions facing acute food shortages in Sudan, as reported by the UN.

As the RSF attempts to navigate the pressures from international communities, the Sudanese Defence Minister Hassan Kabroun has publicly acknowledged US efforts towards peace but maintains that preparations against the RSF are ongoing. He underscored that the Sudanese government's position is contingent upon dismantling the RSF and holding its leaders accountable.

This escalation in conflict and humanitarian needs has raised alarm over the well-being of over 24 million people who are now facing severe food insecurity across Sudan. The international community continues to watch closely as negotiations unfold.