As fighting intensifies between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in key cities within the Kordofan region, a flurry of international and regional diplomatic activity is underway aimed at resolving the escalating crisis in Sudan. The central question remains: can these efforts succeed in bringing an end to the suffering, particularly for the tens of thousands displaced from the conflict in El Fasher, Darfur?
Recent battlefield developments indicate that the SAF has regained control of territory in North Kordofan. This comes amidst reports of significant reinforcements being deployed and expanded military operations. These actions followed a call to arms by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, who rejected any ceasefire or peace agreement with the RSF until they lay down their weapons. An advisor to the RSF commander viewed this stance as a rejection of peace initiatives.
The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen as the number of displaced people fleeing atrocities allegedly committed by the RSF in El Fasher increases. In response, international and regional actors are intensifying their engagement with the Sudanese crisis.
The United States, according to analysts, sees both an opportunity and a necessity to accelerate diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement that ends the war.
The US has expressed its concerns regarding the RSF’s actions, including alleged atrocities against civilians, such as the rape of women, and accused the RSF of failing to uphold its commitments. Calls for an arms embargo against the RSF have been made, with the possibility of including the group on “terrorism lists” being considered as a means to help resolve the crisis.
While critical of some actions taken by the SAF during the conflict, the US does not equate its conduct with that of the RSF. It is understood that Washington views the SAF as a legitimate actor.
