Sudan’s war-torn landscape glimmered with a flicker of hope on Tuesday as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) declared their willingness for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire through talks with the Sudanese army. This olive branch, extended in the form of the Addis Ababa Declaration signed with the Taqadum civilian coalition, marks a significant step towards potentially ending the nine-month conflict ravaging the nation.
The war has inflicted a deep wound on Sudan. The country, now grappling with the world’s largest displacement crisis, mourns a devastated infrastructure and teeters on the brink of famine. Previous attempts at peace, spearheaded by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, have crumbled like parched earth. Agreements protecting civilians lay shattered, casting doubt on any promises made.
However, the RSF’s commitment through the Addis Ababa Declaration carries newfound weight. This document not only proposes a ceasefire but also envisions a path towards a lasting political settlement. The declaration pledges the return of millions of displaced people, the creation of safe passageways, and the inclusion of civilians in future peace talks.
“If the army came with this same document I would sign it immediately,” declared RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti. This statement underscores the declaration’s potential as a genuine bridge towards peace.
Meanwhile, tensions in the capital, Khartoum, escalate as artillery fire between the rival forces intensifies. Adding to the complexity, the Sudanese army itself remains a wildcard. Much of its ranks harbor hostility towards the pro-democracy movement, further complicated by accusations of an alliance with the RSF – an allegation vehemently denied by Hemedti.
Despite these uncertainties, a glimmer of hope persists. Taqadum leader and former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, ousted in the 2021 coup led by the RSF and army, expressed optimism: “We invited the leadership of the armed forces. We expect, we hope they will respond to our invitation positively.”
Whether the army embraces this outstretched olive branch remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the Addis Ababa Declaration represents a crucial step towards silencing the guns and rebuilding a fractured nation. As regional body IGAD awaits a materialized meeting between Hemedti and army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, one thing is clear: the path to peace lies in open dialogue, not continued bloodshed. Only through genuine commitment and collaboration can Sudan rise from the ashes of war and embrace a brighter future.
