NextFin news, On November 24, 2025, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a prominent paramilitary group engaged in Sudan's ongoing civil conflict, declared a unilateral three-month humanitarian ceasefire. This announcement came amid intense hostilities between the RSF and the Sudanese army that have persisted since April 2023. RSF leader and commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, publicly conveyed the ceasefire commitment via a recorded video statement, emphasizing the objective to halt all hostile actions immediately across Sudan's conflict zones, including the critical Darfur region and the recently captured city of al-Fashir (El-Fasher).
The unilateral ceasefire aims to permit unhindered access for humanitarian organizations to affected populations, ensure protection of medical and aid facilities, and facilitate the safe movement of relief workers. Dagalo emphasized that the RSF has consented to institute a field monitoring mechanism supervised jointly by international bodies such as the Quad (a coalition including the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt) and the African Union. The ceasefire is intended as an initial step to end the violence and catalyze a comprehensive political resolution to Sudan's protracted civil war.
Despite RSF’s announcement, the Sudanese army, led by Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has not reciprocated with a ceasefire commitment and criticized the mediation attempts as biased, especially accusing the UAE of partisanship favoring RSF. On November 23, the army rejected a US-proposed peace plan sponsored by the Quad, highlighting concerns that the plan undermines the army’s position by effectively dissolving security agencies while allowing militias like RSF to retain territorial control. The military leadership insists on RSF withdrawal from occupied territories and its confinement to designated areas as prerequisites for any ceasefire.
Since the conflict’s eruption in April 2023, the RSF and Sudanese army confrontation has produced substantial humanitarian catastrophe, with thousands of fatalities and millions displaced internally and as refugees. Particularly, the RSF’s capture of al-Fashir has led to reports of serious war crimes, exacerbating the fragile humanitarian situation. The cessation call by RSF coincides with increased international pressure, including active US mediation under President Donald Trump, following direct appeals from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to end the conflict.
Analyzing the causes behind this unilateral ceasefire declaration, it is evident that the RSF seeks to recalibrate its international image amidst allegations of brutality and war crimes, while leveraging global diplomatic pressure to gain a political advantage. Declaring a humanitarian truce portrays the RSF as responsive to international norms, potentially attracting broader political support and aid access, crucial for consolidating its territorial gains and sustaining its ranks.
Simultaneously, the army's rejection of the peace plan underscores deep mistrust and rivalry embedded in Sudan’s fragmented power structures. The army perceives the RSF not only as a paramilitary adversary but also as a proxy aligned with external actors like the UAE, which it views as complicit in fueling the conflict through material support. The Quad mediation framework, although inclusive of key regional powers, suffers from credibility deficits due to perceived partiality and conflicting agendas among mediators.
The impact of the RSF’s ceasefire announcement on the conflict trajectory and humanitarian conditions is multifaceted. If honored, the truce could enable crucial respite for civilians, allow delivery of emergency aid to millions facing starvation and medical crises, and build momentum for renewed dialogue. However, without reciprocal commitment from the army and effective enforcement mechanisms, the ceasefire risks being a tactical maneuver rather than a genuine peace breakthrough.
Statistical sources indicate that over two years of fighting have caused upwards of 7,000 deaths and displaced more than 3 million people within Sudan, severely disrupting economic activities and market functions, with ripple effects destabilizing regional trade corridors. The persistent warfare has crippled agricultural production and access to basic services, aggravating food insecurity impacting an estimated 10 million residents.
Looking forward, the RSF ceasefire can be a pivot point if it catalyzes a substantive political process inclusive of broad Sudanese stakeholders, excluding extremist factions as stated by Dagalo. However, given longstanding factional animosities, external geopolitical competition, and the complexities of Sudan’s military-political landscape, sustainable peace hinges on transparent negotiations, third-party monitoring, and bridging internal divisions.
Economic frameworks for post-conflict recovery must anticipate stabilization of security, restoration of governance, and resumption of international aid flows. The international community, especially under the current US administration led by President Donald Trump, faces the dual challenge of balancing diplomatic leverage without alienating key military actors critical for transition. The inclusion of African Union mechanisms in monitoring indicates regional ownership, which is essential for legitimacy and compliance.
Ultimately, the RSF's three-month ceasefire declaration represents a significant yet precarious development in Sudan's conflict. It opens an opportunity to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and foster dialogue but demands careful international and local engagement to transform ceasefire declarations into enduring peace and economic rehabilitation.
According to Anadolu Agency, this declaration responds directly to global efforts spearheaded by the US and Arab mediators. Yet, as per the Bangkok Post, Sudan’s military leadership remains skeptical and highlights ongoing strategic rivalry, setting the stage for a fragile peace that requires robust diplomatic facilitation and inclusive political solutions to prevent a renewed escalation.
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