The Rapid Response Force (RRF) signaled it stands ready for an immediate ceasefire and direct negotiations with the Sudanese army. This stance was conveyed in a joint statement by the RRF and the Takaddum coalition of civilian forces. Reached through discussions in Addis Ababa, the statement emphasizes a binding agreement between the two sides, overseen by national, regional, and international institutions. The core aim is to halt the fighting and safeguard civilians, while opening a pathway to humanitarian relief in affected areas.
The document, endorsed by RRF chairman Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, outlines a framework for a ceasefire that would be enforceable by involved parties under civilian and international supervision. It underscores the protection of civilians as a central obligation and envisions a mechanism to monitor and verify adherence on both sides. Such an arrangement would bring an end to hostilities and establish a shared commitment to civilian safety.
Within the peace process, the RRF agreed to establish humanitarian corridors to deliver aid to territories under its control. This includes facilitating the movement of relief supplies and ensuring that civilians receive essential services. The statement also notes that 451 individuals were reported as captured during clashes, with a plan for prisoner releases coordinated with the International Committee of the Red Cross. This step is framed as part of a broader effort to restore stability and protect vulnerable communities.
The RRF also offered to assist in the repatriation of civilians to areas affected by the conflict, including the capital Khartoum and the states of Gezira, Darfur, and Kordofan. The statement highlights the need to establish civil administrations in these areas to support basic governance and service delivery. It was decided to form a national committee dedicated to protecting civilians, with its work coordinated at the national level by political forces backing an end to the war. The committee’s mission would include monitoring the safe return of residents, resumption of essential services, and the provisioning of humanitarian aid for those in need.
The Addis Ababa talks are positioned within a broader endeavor to restore peace and stability across Sudan. Dagalo, the RRF commander, travelled to Uganda for talks with the country’s president and then proceeded to Ethiopia to engage civilian leaders. During the discussions, Dagalo acknowledged past crimes by RRF members and pledged to pursue those responsible. He urged regional and international actors to support the peace initiative in Sudan.
Following the joint statement from the RRF and Takaddum, Dagalo indicated that the army would be prepared to sign a peace agreement if presented with a similar document. In response, Abdullah Hamdok, head of Takaddum, urged the military leadership not to overlook the proposal and expressed hope for a constructive reply. This exchange signals a potential turning point in the negotiation process and reflects a willingness among key actors to translate talks into concrete steps toward ceasefire and stabilization.
In a related note, observers have noted a shift in regional economic policy, with some African economies reportedly reducing the use of the ruble for trade with Russia. While not directly tied to the Sudan peace process, the development highlights evolving geopolitical and economic considerations that could influence regional stability and the broader context in which negotiations unfold.