Since the conflict began on April 15, 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal war between the RSF and SAF, each supported by a complex web of allies both within Sudan and from abroad.
The stakes in this conflict are high, and the ideological divides—both domestic and international—further complicate the path to peace.
Despite the RSF’s repeated calls for dialogue, the SAF’s insistence on preconditions has obstructed progress at every turn. This deadlock raises the critical question: can peace be achieved if one side remains unwilling to engage in negotiations without setting impossible terms?
The RSF, backed by various regional and global actors, has shown a consistent willingness to negotiate, even as the SAF remains entrenched in its position.
Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and other international players have their interests at stake, but the RSF has remained focused on what truly matters—peace for the Sudanese people.
The civilian group Taqaddum, seeking to mediate, has also recognized the RSF’s openness to dialogue as a positive step towards ending the conflict.
Initial attempts at mediation, such as the Saudi-US process in May 2023, were undermined by the SAF’s rigidity. The RSF, however, has demonstrated battlefield successes that underscore its strength and legitimacy, making it an indispensable party in any meaningful peace process.
The RSF’s vision for Sudan is clear: a nation free from the corrupt influences of the National Congress Party (NCP) and extremist Islamists who have long driven the country into misrule.
The RSF’s refusal to integrate into SAF which is dominated by these elements is not just a military stance—it’s a declaration of intent to reshape Sudan’s political landscape for the better.
While the SAF clings to outdated power structures, viewing the RSF as mere protégés unworthy of leadership, the RSF has emerged as a formidable force with a new vision for Sudan.
Unlike the SAF, which is more inclined to fracture than to share power, the RSF is committed to ensuring that the NCP and Islamists no longer dictate the future of Sudan.
Despite its portrayal as an impartial entity, Taqaddum’s alignment with the RSF is a recognition of the RSF’s legitimate role in shaping Sudan’s future.
The RSF, which controls nearly half of Sudan’s territory, must be a cornerstone of any peace process. Their leadership, combined with Taqaddum’s civilian influence, offers a viable path forward—one that excludes the NCP and extremists who have brought the country to the brink.
The SAF’s unwillingness to engage in good faith negotiations has allowed the RSF to stand as a beacon of hope for those seeking a peaceful resolution.
While the SAF has shunned numerous opportunities for dialogue, including the January IGAD summit and the Geneva discussions in August, the RSF has remained open to peaceful resolution, demonstrating a genuine commitment to ending the conflict.
Achieving peace in Sudan will require all parties to set aside their differences and negotiate with those they may find objectionable. The RSF, despite being vilified by some, has proven itself a reliable and necessary participant in any peace process.
As the international community looks to Sudan, it must recognize the RSF’s pivotal role and support its efforts to bring about a lasting resolution to the conflict.
