Key Facts
- ✓ Sudan's army is currently reviewing a new truce proposal developed jointly by the United States and Saudi Arabia, marking a significant diplomatic development in the conflict.
- ✓ Former Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok has publicly characterized the proposal as 'the light at the end of the tunnel' during an interview on FRANCE 24.
- ✓ The war between Sudan's army and the paramilitary RSF has resulted in an estimated death toll in the tens of thousands since hostilities began in April 2023.
- ✓ Approximately 11 million people have been displaced by the ongoing conflict, creating one of the world's largest humanitarian crises.
- ✓ The proposal represents the latest in a series of international mediation attempts aimed at ending the violence that has engulfed Sudan for nearly three years.
Quick Summary
A potential breakthrough has emerged in the protracted conflict between Sudan's army and the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). According to reports, the army has received and is currently considering a new peace proposal jointly developed by the United States and Saudi Arabia.
The development comes as the war, which erupted in April 2023, continues to inflict catastrophic humanitarian consequences. Former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok has publicly endorsed the initiative, characterizing it as a critical opportunity for de-escalation.
A New Diplomatic Push
The international community is intensifying efforts to broker a cessation of hostilities in Sudan. The latest diplomatic initiative involves a specific truce proposal presented to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) by mediators from Washington and Riyadh.
While the specific terms of the proposal remain confidential, the fact that it has reached the stage of formal consideration by the army leadership suggests a structured and potentially viable framework for negotiation. This development follows months of stalled talks and escalating violence on the ground.
Key elements of the diplomatic landscape include:
- Joint mediation by the United States and Saudi Arabia
- Direct engagement with Sudan's military leadership
- A focus on establishing a sustainable ceasefire
- Humanitarian access as a central component
"the light at the end of the tunnel"
— Abdallah Hamdok, Former Sudanese Prime Minister
Hamdok's Endorsement
Speaking on FRANCE 24, former Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok offered a cautiously optimistic assessment of the new proposal. His commentary provides a rare glimpse into the high-level diplomatic discussions surrounding the conflict.
Hamdok, who served as the head of Sudan's transitional government before being removed in a 2021 coup, has remained a prominent voice in international peace efforts. His characterization of the proposal carries significant weight among both domestic and international stakeholders.
He described the latest proposal as 'the light at the end of the tunnel'.
This metaphorical language underscores the perceived potential for a breakthrough after a prolonged period of diplomatic stagnation and military deadlock.
The Human Cost of War
The urgency for a resolution is underscored by the staggering human toll of the conflict. Since fighting began in April 2023, the war between the Sudanese army and the RSF has devastated the nation.
Casualty figures, while difficult to verify independently, are estimated to be in the tens of thousands. The violence has not only claimed lives but has also systematically dismantled critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water systems.
The conflict has triggered one of the largest displacement crises globally. Approximately 11 million people have been forced to flee their homes, creating a massive humanitarian emergency that strains resources across the region.
Stakes of the Proposal
The current proposal represents a critical juncture in the trajectory of the conflict. For the Sudanese army, accepting the terms could signal a shift from a military-first strategy to a political solution, though it may face internal resistance from hardline elements.
Conversely, rejection of the proposal risks further international isolation and prolonged conflict, deepening the humanitarian crisis. The involvement of the United States and Saudi Arabia adds diplomatic weight, potentially offering incentives or consequences tied to the army's decision.
The proposal's success hinges on several factors:
- Acceptance by both the SAF and RSF leadership
- Implementation of verifiable ceasefire mechanisms
- Guarantees for humanitarian aid delivery
- Establishment of a credible monitoring framework
Looking Ahead
The international community is closely monitoring the Sudanese army's deliberations regarding the US-Saudi truce proposal. The response from Khartoum will likely determine the next phase of diplomatic engagement and the immediate future of the conflict.
While the proposal has been described as a potential 'light at the end of the tunnel,' the path to sustainable peace remains fraught with challenges. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether this initiative can translate into a tangible reduction in violence and a step toward a political settlement.
