Sudan’s RSF agrees to US-backed cease-fire talks

The Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have welcomed the U.S.-backed cease-fire talks scheduled to take place in Switzerland next month.

US invitation for cease-fire talks

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken extended the invitation to both the Sudanese Army and the RSF group on Tuesday, proposing mediated negotiations beginning on Aug. 14.

“The United States remains committed to working with partners to end this devastating war,” Blinken stated.

RSF leader Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo expressed his approval of the invitation via a statement on X, confirming the RSF’s participation in the talks. He acknowledged the “efforts exerted by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland in organizing these crucial talks.”

I welcome the invitation announced by Mr. @SecBlinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, and I declare our participation in the upcoming ceasefire talks on August 14, 2024, in Switzerland. I appreciate the efforts exerted by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland in…

— Mohamed Hamdan Daglo (@GeneralDagllo) July 23, 2024

No Response from Sudanese Army

Dagalo reiterated the RSF’s dedication to the Sudanese people and the international community, affirming their commitment to the discussions aimed at fostering a peaceful and democratic future for Sudan.

As of yet, there has been no official response from the Sudanese army regarding the U.S. invitation. The talks will include observers from the African Union, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations, according to the U.S. Department of State.

Conflict background

The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023 between Sudanese Army Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo over disputes about integrating the RSF into the national army.

This war has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, resulting in the deaths of nearly 16,000 people and displacing millions. On March 29, Sudan lodged a complaint with the U.N. Security Council against the United Arab Emirates, accusing it of supporting the RSF, a claim that the UAE has denied.