Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have announced their openness to engage in peace talks to establish a ceasefire and bring stability to the conflict-stricken nation.
Addressing a gathering in Nairobi on Monday, Omer Hamdan Ahmed, who leads the RSF delegation, stressed that continuing the war serves no purpose for the RSF and only benefits opposing forces.
Ahmed reiterated the RSF’s dedication to fostering civilian rule and advancing military reforms within Sudan.
“Our mission remains defending Sudan’s sovereignty and protecting its people. We are grateful to neighboring nations for sheltering Sudanese refugees as the conflict has forced 15 million to flee their homes. Presently, around 30 million Sudanese are dependent on humanitarian aid,” Ahmed remarked.
Ahmed also acknowledged that violence had affected areas under RSF control, with civilians sometimes being targeted, actions he condemned as illegal.
He noted that arrests and convictions had occurred involving individuals residing in RSF-administered territories.
In terms of humanitarian needs, Ahmed emphasized the importance of ensuring aid reaches areas under RSF control, where damaged infrastructure has led to issues such as power outages and contaminated water, resulting in serious health challenges.
Sudan’s RSF rejects allegations of rights violations and UAE support
General Omar Hamdan Ahmed, leading the RSF delegation, rejected allegations of foreign backing, specifically from the UAE, and accused Egypt of aiding General al-Burhan’s forces (SAF) through military support and airstrikes, which Egypt has denied.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been mired in conflict between SAF, headed by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Both sides face war crime accusations, including civilian attacks and hindering aid efforts.
RSF spokesperson Mohamad Mokhtar attributed violations to “other parties” and downplayed UN reports of sexual violence as “social media propaganda,” noting only one rape case in RSF-controlled areas and that investigations were conducted.
RSF adviser Ezzadden Elsafi underscored their willingness to halt the conflict, saying, “We are ready to stop the war even before tomorrow.” He accused the army of obstructing peace initiatives and affirmed the RSF’s commitment to a ceasefire, humanitarian aid access, and safeguarding civilians.
The conflict, which erupted on April 15, 2023, has inflicted significant human and material losses. By October 2023, it had led to over 24,850 deaths and displaced more than 14 million people, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project and the International Organization for Migration.
Indiscriminate SAF airstrikes in Sudan spark condemnation from RSF
The conflict in Sudan escalated this week with foreign-backed airstrikes targeting civilian areas, drawing strong condemnation from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
In a statement the RSF accused General al-Burhan’s forces (SAF) and allied militias of conducting a campaign to terrorize civilians, destroy infrastructure, and cause widespread suffering.
The most recent airstrikes, particularly on the historic Libyan Market in Omdurman and the 13 Market in Eastern Nile, resulted in over 650 civilian deaths and numerous injuries.
The RSF also claimed the attacks spread to other cities and regions, damaging essential services and infrastructure.
Describing these actions as efforts to destabilize Sudan and undermine its unity, the RSF vowed to continue resisting, advocating for a professional, unified military and pledging to restore peace and dignity to the country.