Sudan ceasefire efforts face renewed uncertainty after army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan vowed to continue military operations despite a renewed US-backed push for a humanitarian truce and political negotiations.
Speaking at a public gathering in the Amri area of Northern State on Tuesday, Burhan said Sudan’s regular armed forces would continue operations in Darfur, Kordofan and Blue Nile until they regained territory controlled by opposing forces.
“The armed forces will continue with the option of military victory until the entire national territory is cleared of the rebellion,” Burhan said.
His comments indicate continued resistance to key elements of the US-backed initiative aimed at ending Sudan’s war.
Sudan ceasefire push faces resistance from Burhan
The US-backed approach calls for an immediate 90-day humanitarian truce. It also seeks improved humanitarian access and civilian protection.
The plan would then move towards a permanent ceasefire, political negotiations and a transition towards civilian-led government.
Burhan’s remarks came days after he met US President Donald Trump’s adviser Massad Boulos in Egypt.
Following the meeting, Boulos said Washington remained committed to a comprehensive Sudanese political dialogue and a roadmap for the country’s future.
However, Burhan’s latest comments suggest that Sudan’s army leadership continues to prioritise military operations over immediate negotiations.
He said decisions involving war, peace and negotiations were not his alone. According to Burhan, such decisions involve state institutions, including the armed forces, police, security agencies and the Security and Defence Council.
TASIS backs humanitarian truce
The Sudan Founding Alliance, known as TASIS, has taken a different public position on the proposed Sudan ceasefire.
TASIS has expressed support for an unconditional 90-day humanitarian ceasefire and negotiations towards a civilian political process.
The alliance has also proposed negotiations over longer-term security arrangements, reconstruction and the restructuring of Sudan’s state institutions.
However, TASIS has rejected demands that forces aligned with it withdraw from territories they currently control before negotiations begin.
The alliance says it supports regional and international efforts to end the war. It has also established a political mechanism tasked with negotiations and the peace process.
Rival camps take different positions
The positions leave Sudan’s rival camps publicly divided over the latest diplomatic initiative.
TASIS has accepted the principle of an immediate humanitarian truce and political negotiations. Burhan, meanwhile, has reiterated that Sudan’s regular armed forces intend to pursue military victory.
Army-aligned authorities have previously demanded that the Rapid Support Forces withdraw from cities and other territories under their control before a broader settlement can proceed.
Burhan has resisted the proposed three-month truce for months.
During his latest appearance, he also praised communities supporting Sudan’s regular armed forces and pledged to continue military operations against the RSF and its allies.
The competing positions highlight the challenges facing the latest Sudan ceasefire effort as international actors seek an end to a conflict that has continued since April 2023.