U.S. Urges Immediate Ceasefire in Sudan Amid Humanitarian Crisis

The United States has emphasized the urgent need for the immediate approval and implementation of a proposed humanitarian ceasefire in Sudan, warning of a rapid decline in humanitarian conditions that have reached "catastrophic levels."

This statement was made by Messaoud Boulos, the senior advisor to the U.S. President on Arab and African affairs, who noted, "The suffering of civilians has reached catastrophic levels, with millions lacking food, water, and medical care," adding that "each day of ongoing fighting costs more innocent lives."

Boulos confirmed that the ceasefire "will not only save lives but is a crucial step towards a sustainable solution and stable peace," stressing the "need for all parties to commit to halting hostilities and allowing complete, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access."

The U.S. official expressed hope that both sides would quickly agree to a ceasefire "without political or military considerations," stating that "the Sudanese people can no longer wait, and it is time to act swiftly to end the suffering."

In this context, while the Sudanese Foreign Ministry confirmed last week that "the government has no objection to the humanitarian ceasefire" proposed by the Quartet (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, and the U.S.), informed sources revealed that the Sudanese government had raised four observations regarding the initiative.

According to the "Al-Sudani" newspaper, the sources specified that the government conditioned the withdrawal of Rapid Support Forces from recently occupied areas, the regrouping of its forces in specific zones, and the deployment of police in all areas from which the Rapid Support Forces withdraw.

This follows the announcement by the Rapid Support Forces that they agree to the Quartet's initiative, which stipulates a three-month ceasefire and the commencement of Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue leading to the establishment of an independent civilian government within nine months.

However, a Sudanese military official stated, according to the "Associated Press," that the army welcomes the Quartet's proposal but will only accept a ceasefire after the complete withdrawal of Rapid Support Forces from civilian areas and the surrender of weapons, based on previous peace proposals.

Sudan has been embroiled in armed conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces since mid-April 2023, resulting in over 40,000 deaths and the displacement of approximately 12 million people both internally and externally, along with a severe food crisis threatening millions.