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Sudan’s Prime Minister Proposes Peace Plan as Brutal Civil War Approaches 1,000 Days
Sudan’s Prime Minister Kamil Idris unveiled a comprehensive peace initiative on Monday aimed at ending the nearly 1,000-day conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a rival paramilitary group. The proposal came as international pressure mounts for both sides to accept an immediate humanitarian truce.
Speaking before the UN Security Council, Idris outlined a “homemade” plan that would require a ceasefire monitored by the United Nations, African Union, and Arab League. The proposal demands the withdrawal of paramilitary forces from all occupied areas, their relocation to supervised camps, and complete disarmament.
“This initiative can mark the moment when Sudan steps back from the edge and the international community stood on the right side of history,” Idris told council members, emphasizing that without confining paramilitary forces to camps, any truce had “no chance for success.”
The war, which erupted in April 2023 from a power struggle between Sudan’s military and the RSF, has devastated the nation. UN reports and international rights groups have documented widespread mass killings, rapes, and ethnically motivated violence amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The conflict has created what experts call the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. According to UN figures, more than 40,000 people have died, though aid organizations suggest the actual death toll could be significantly higher. Over 14 million people have been displaced, while disease outbreaks and famine spread across parts of the country.
The United States, part of a key mediation group known as the Quad that includes Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, has pushed for both sides to accept an immediate humanitarian truce without preconditions. U.S. deputy ambassador Jeffrey Bartos, speaking before Idris, reiterated the Trump administration’s condemnation of “horrific violence across Darfur” and the Kordofan region, calling for accountability for atrocities committed by both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF.
However, the prime minister’s proposal appeared to indirectly reject the Quad-backed truce, with Idris stressing his plan was “not imposed on us.” His initiative effectively seeks a resolution that would grant government forces victory while stripping the RSF of military power, making RSF support highly unlikely.
The standoff reflects the entrenched positions of both sides. In early November, the RSF agreed to a humanitarian truce, but the Sudanese military indicated it would only commit if the paramilitary group completely withdrew from civilian areas and surrendered weapons—conditions now formalized in Idris’ proposal.
UAE Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab, representing a Quad member nation, warned against unilateral efforts. “Lessons of history and present realities make it clear that unilateral efforts by either of the warring parties are not sustainable and will only prolong the war,” he said, emphasizing that any humanitarian truce must lead to a permanent ceasefire and civilian rule independent of the warring factions.
UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari highlighted growing international concerns about the continuing supply of sophisticated weapons fueling the conflict. He criticized unnamed countries refusing to halt arms supplies and both Sudanese forces for their unwillingness to compromise.
“While they were able to stop fighting to preserve oil revenues, they have so far failed to do the same to protect their population,” Khiari noted. “The backers of both sides must use their influence to help stop the slaughter, not to cause further devastation.”
As Sudan approaches 1,000 days of brutal conflict, the international community faces mounting pressure to help end a war that continues to inflict catastrophic suffering on millions of civilians caught in the crossfire of power politics and military ambition.
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11 Comments
Kudos to the PM for putting forth a detailed peace proposal, but the US push for an immediate truce suggests the situation remains extremely volatile. Balancing short-term humanitarian needs with a longer-term political solution will be crucial. Cautious optimism is warranted, but the hard work lies ahead.
This peace plan seems to take a comprehensive approach, which is necessary given the complexity of the conflict. However, the disarmament of the paramilitary forces will be the real litmus test. Careful monitoring and verification by the UN, AU and Arab League will be key to ensuring compliance.
Absolutely. Effective monitoring and verification mechanisms will be critical to build trust and ensure the ceasefire and disarmament process are implemented in good faith by all parties. Without that, the risk of the conflict reigniting remains high.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is truly devastating. While this peace plan has potential, the US urgency for an immediate truce suggests the situation remains dire on the ground. Careful diplomacy and international cooperation will be essential to finding a lasting solution.
Absolutely. An immediate ceasefire to stop the bloodshed and deliver aid is crucial, but the longer-term stability requires addressing the root causes through a comprehensive peace process.
Interesting proposal from Sudan’s PM to end the brutal civil war. Monitoring by the UN, AU and Arab League could help, but disarming the paramilitary forces will be the real challenge. Hopefully this leads to a sustainable ceasefire and peace process.
Agreed, the disarmament of the paramilitary groups is key. A comprehensive peace plan like this offers hope, but the execution will be critical to ending the cycle of violence.
While the Prime Minister’s peace plan appears well-intentioned, the US call for an immediate humanitarian truce suggests the situation remains extremely dire. Balancing short-term relief with a sustainable political solution will require deft diplomacy and compromise from all sides. The Sudanese people have suffered for too long.
Sudan’s PM is taking a bold step by proposing this homegrown peace plan. Engaging the UN, AU and Arab League for monitoring and implementation could lend more credibility. However, the proof will be in whether the warring factions are willing to compromise and disarm.
This conflict has dragged on for far too long, causing immense suffering for the Sudanese people. While the PM’s peace plan seems comprehensive, the distrust between the military and RSF paramilitary will be difficult to overcome. Sustained international pressure and assistance may be needed to make real progress.
You make a good point. The deep-rooted divisions and animosity between the military and RSF will require immense political will on all sides to overcome. International mediation and support will likely be essential to brokering a lasting peace agreement.