Sudan’s Rapid Response Forces signaled openness to a ceasefire and negotiations with the national army, signaling a potential path toward de-escalation. This stance came through in reports from regional outlets that focus on the evolving dynamics of the conflict, highlighting how the Rapid Response Forces view dialogue as a critical step toward protecting civilians and stabilizing affected regions. The declaration underscores a broader willingness among the country’s conflict actors to pause hostilities and engage in structured discussions aimed at ending the fighting that has disrupted daily life for hundreds of thousands of people.
In tandem with their commitment to ceasefire talks, the emergency response units indicated they would release 451 detainees and create safe channels for humanitarian aid. They authorized the opening of humanitarian corridors in territories under their control, enabling aid groups to deliver food, medical supplies, and essential assistance to communities facing shortages and insecurity. Observers note that these measures, if implemented, could contribute to reducing civilian harm and restoring basic services in areas long cut off from relief efforts.
The statement also announced the formation of a national council, to be comprised of Rapid Response Forces representatives and civil associations dedicated to safeguarding civilians in conflict-affected zones. This council is described as a mechanism for civilian protection, coordinating relief efforts, monitoring abuses, and ensuring that humanitarian needs drive decision making as the country navigates a fragile ceasefire process. International partners have emphasized the importance of predictable humanitarian access and independent oversight as part of any transition toward normalcy.
On December 10, Sudan announced the deportation of several embassy staff members from the United Arab Emirates, a move that reflects the shifting regional alignments and the complex political calculations that accompany ongoing hostilities. The removal of diplomats comes amid broader regional diplomacy and ongoing efforts to broker a broad cessation of fighting. Analysts observe that such expulsions raise questions about the posture of foreign missions in Khartoum and the impact on diplomatic channels that might otherwise support crisis mitigation and mediation efforts.
The country remains locked in a civil war, pitting the national army against the Rapid Reaction Forces. The conflict, which began in earnest in April 2023, has fueled competing narratives about battlefield gains and territorial control. Both sides characteristically portray their operations as advancing toward strategic objectives, while independent observers and regional partners highlight the overall erosion of civilian safety and the heavy toll on infrastructure, markets, and access to essential services. The ongoing information war, waged across media and social networks, has complicated clear-eyed analysis and the ability to verify battlefield developments in real time.
Regional and international actors, including the Gulf states and the United States, have urged an immediate halt to hostilities and a return to dialogue. The emphasis is on building confidence measures, safeguarding civilians, and allowing humanitarian agencies unfettered access to the most affected areas. While such calls for a ceasefire have gained traction at moments, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with sporadic clashes and moving frontlines. Sudanese diplomats have previously conveyed that certain regional neighbors, including Chad, have issued statements that affect the broader diplomatic landscape, shaping how external partners engage with Khartoum as the crisis unfolds.