Sudan sets RSF withdrawal, disarmament as condition for US peace plan

The Sudanese government has tied its acceptance of a proposed US roadmap to end the country’s war to the complete withdrawal and disarmament of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from all cities under its control, according to two senior Sudanese officials.

The officials, speaking to Anadolu on condition of anonymity on Friday, said the government’s response was submitted in a document titled Restoring Peace in Sudan.

According to the officials, the document outlines security arrangements requiring the RSF to withdraw from all cities under its control, disarm, demobilise its militants and reintegrate eligible personnel into the Sudanese Armed Forces under UN supervision after a permanent ceasefire takes effect.

It also calls for preserving the Sudanese Armed Forces as a unified national army under government authority, with all armed groups integrated into it.

The US proposal calls for the immediate implementation of a 90-day humanitarian truce to pave the way for negotiations on a permanent ceasefire and a civilian-led transition towards elections.

It also proposes establishing a UN-led mechanism to support the phased withdrawal of the RSF, particularly from North Darfur and North Kordofan.

The Sudanese response proposes that the 90-day humanitarian truce begin nationwide simultaneously with the RSF’s withdrawal from all cities under its control.

According to the document, the truce is intended to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery, protect civilians and create conditions for the resumption of indirect ceasefire negotiations between the warring parties.

Security conditions for ceasefire

The document requires the RSF to withdraw from all cities it has seized since May 11, 2023, describing the move as a confidence-building measure and a prerequisite for a permanent ceasefire.

It also proposes establishing a coordination committee chaired by the United States, with the UN, the Arab League and the African Union as members, to oversee implementation of the agreement, support monitoring mechanisms and help resolve disputes.

The proposal further calls for a UN mechanism to monitor the RSF’s withdrawal, facilitate humanitarian aid delivery and protect civilians.

It stresses the need to safeguard Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by ending foreign interference, halting foreign military support for militants and preventing the flow of illicit weapons.