In a dramatic move on Monday, Sudan’s prime minister presented a sweeping peace plan to the United Nations Security Council, while the United States urged both sides to accept an immediate humanitarian truce. The proposal comes as the country’s nearly 1,000-day conflict rages on.
Prime Minister’s Comprehensive Plan
Kamil Idris, who heads Sudan’s transitional civilian government, outlined a comprehensive initiative that includes a ceasefire monitored by the United Nations, the African Union and the Arab League. It also calls for the withdrawal of paramilitary forces from all areas they occupy, the placement of those forces in supervised camps and their disarmament. Idris stressed that the plan is “homemade – not imposed on us.” He challenged the 15 members of the Security Council to back the proposal, arguing it could mark a turning point for Sudan.
U.S. and International Response
U.S. deputy ambassador Jeffrey Bartos, speaking before Idris, said the Trump administration has offered a humanitarian truce as a way forward. He urged both belligerents to accept this plan without preconditions immediately. Bartos also said the Trump administration strongly condemns the horrific violence across Darfur and the Kordofan region, adding that the atrocities committed by both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces must be held accountable.
UAE Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab, a member of the Quad, noted there is an immediate opportunity to implement the humanitarian truce and deliver aid to civilians in desperate need. He warned that unilateral efforts by either warring party are unsustainable and will only prolong the war. Abushahab said a humanitarian truce must be followed by a permanent ceasefire “and a pathway towards civilian rule independent of the warring parties.”
RSF and Army Position
In early November, the Rapid Support Forces agreed to a humanitarian truce. At that time, a Sudanese military official told The Associated Press that the army welcomed the Quad’s proposal but would only agree to a truce when the RSF completely withdraws from civilian areas and gives up their weapons. Idris said that unless the paramilitary forces were confined to camps, a truce had “no chance for success.”
The RSF is unlikely to support Idris’s proposal, as it would essentially give government forces a victory and strip the RSF of its military power. The plan would remove the RSF’s ability to operate freely in occupied areas.
Humanitarian Crisis
The war, which began in April 2023 after a power struggle between the military and the Rapid Support Forces erupted into open fighting, has led to widespread mass killings, rapes and ethnically motivated violence. The United Nations and international rights groups have described the violence as war crimes and crimes against humanity. According to U.N. figures, more than 40,000 people have been killed, though aid groups say the true number could be many times higher. The conflict has created the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with over 14 million people displaced, disease outbreaks and famine spreading in parts of the country.
Role of International Bodies
Khaled Khiari, U.N. Assistant Secretary-General for political affairs, reflected escalating council concerns about the Sudan war, which has been fueled by the continuing supply of increasingly sophisticated weapons. He criticized unnamed countries that refuse to stop supplying weapons, and both government and paramilitary forces for remaining unwilling to compromise or de-escalate. Khiari said that while they were able to stop fighting to preserve oil revenues, they have so far failed to do the same to protect their population. He called on the backers of both sides to use their influence to help stop the slaughter, not to cause further devastation.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Kamil Idris proposes a comprehensive ceasefire and paramilitary withdrawal.
- U.S. urges immediate humanitarian truce without preconditions.
- RSF agreed to truce in November but only if it withdraws fully.
- Conflict has killed >40,000, displaced >14 million, causing world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
The United Nations Security Council’s debate continues as the international community watches closely, hoping that a negotiated settlement can finally bring relief to millions of Sudanese civilians caught in the crossfire.
