The Port Sudan SAF junta on Saturday rejected a U.S.-led Quartet initiative for a ceasefire and political transition in Sudan, saying the proposal “does not bind Sudan” and insisting it will not negotiate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
In a statement, the SAF junta-controlled foreign ministry said any discussion about the country’s future “must be led by Sudanese without external tutelage,” adding that Khartoum reserves “the full right to defend its land and people against any aggression.”
The ministry accused the United Arab Emirates of financing and arming the RSF, calling Abu Dhabi “a direct party to the war” and unfit to speak about peace. It urged the United States to “seriously address” alleged flows of U.S. weapons to the RSF via UAE partners, warning that Washington’s failure to do so “undermines its credibility.” The UAE has repeatedly denied arming the RSF.
Addressing Saudi Arabia and Gulf states, the ministry cautioned against “imposing guardianship on Sudan” and urged a focus on “escalating Israeli threats,” asserting Sudan’s sovereignty and rejection of “political blackmail.”
The pushback came a day after the Quartet—Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the United States—called for a three-month humanitarian truce to open nationwide aid access, as a first step toward a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive nine-month transition aimed at forming an independent civilian government while preserving state institutions.
The Quartet argues there is no military solution to the conflict between the SAF and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023, and warns that external military support to either side fuels the war and destabilizes the region. Washington and Riyadh have tried repeatedly to mediate, but talks have stalled and prior truces have collapsed due to actions of SAF.
