Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have accepted a proposal from the United States and Arab nations for a humanitarian ceasefire and are willing to engage in discussions regarding halting hostilities, as stated in a release on Thursday. The RSF and the Sudanese army have previously agreed to several ceasefire initiatives over the course of their 2½-year conflict, none of which have been successful. The U.S. administration under President Donald Trump has expressed its efforts to bring an end to the fighting in Sudan.

The announcement, which has not received an immediate response from the Sudanese army, follows the recent capture of the famine-stricken city of El Fasher by the RSF, which had been under siege for over 18 months. This capture marked the last stronghold of the Sudanese military in the western Darfur region.

In a statement, the RSF expressed readiness to implement the agreement and initiate discussions promptly on the terms for a cessation of hostilities and the core principles guiding Sudan’s political process.

While the army-led Security and Defense Council convened earlier this week, no definitive response was provided to the proposal. However, influential figures and allies within the army have shown disapproval towards the initiative.

A Sudanese military official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, indicated that the army is in favor of the proposal but will only consent to a ceasefire when the RSF completely withdraws from civilian areas and relinquishes arms in accordance with prior peace proposals.

Massad Boulos, a U.S. adviser for African affairs, mentioned ongoing collaboration with both the Sudanese army and the RSF to broker a humanitarian truce. Boulos anticipated a forthcoming announcement, stating that the U.S.-led plan envisions a three-month humanitarian ceasefire followed by a nine-month political process.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the conflict between the RSF and the military originated in 2023 amid escalating tensions between the two former allies tasked with overseeing a democratic transition post a 2019 uprising. The warfare has resulted in a death toll of at least 40,000 individuals and displacement of 12 million people. Humanitarian groups suggest the actual death toll might be significantly higher, with over 24 million individuals facing acute food shortages, as per the World Food Program.

Sudan has been recognized by humanitarian organizations as one of the most severe displacement crises globally. The recent takeover of El Fasher by the RSF, following a series of assaults, has led to further displacements.

Reports from witnesses have indicated that the RSF engaged in killings and abductions of civilians during and after the capture of El Fasher, including summary executions, prompting international concern. The U.N. human rights office estimated that hundreds of civilians and unarmed combatants may have been executed during the city’s seizure by the RSF, constituting war crimes.

Amid these events, the RSF’s leadership has denied allegations of killings, stating that investigations have been conducted into any violations by RSF members, with some individuals already apprehended. The RSF commander refuted claims of atrocities, citing that the RSF facilitated the evacuation of residents from the city and called upon aid agencies to aid those remaining.

A ‘man-made’ famine has been declared in El-Fasher and Kadugli, with Islamic Relief warning of potential collapse of community kitchens that provide critical support to families. The ongoing conflict, insecurity, restricted access to food, and lack of humanitarian corridors have exacerbated the situation, leading to severe food shortages in many regions of Sudan.

Efforts are underway to establish safe humanitarian corridors to deliver aid to needy communities, with hopes of finding a resolution by the end of the year to prevent further hunger-related fatalities.