Sudanese Prime Minister Proposes Initiative for Comprehensive Ceasefire Under International Supervision

SadaNews - Sudanese Prime Minister Kamal Idris has proposed a new initiative calling for a comprehensive ceasefire in the country, under international and regional supervision, emphasizing that Sudan has paid a heavy price due to the ongoing conflict.

Idris clarified, in his speech before the United Nations Security Council on Monday, that the initiative is based on a ceasefire supervised by the United Nations, the African Union, and the Arab League, in addition to ensuring the disarmament of what he described as "rebel militias."

He noted that the plan includes implementing disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs for non-convicted fighters, aiming to return them to civilian life, stressing that achieving peace cannot be done without accountability.

Idris called for a Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue during the transitional phase, to agree on the foundations of governance, with this phase concluding with general elections under international supervision, considering the initiative to be a well-considered option to replace chaos with order, violence with law, and despair with hope.

In contrast, U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the U.N., Jeff Bartos, stated that the United States has presented, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a plan to halt fighting through a humanitarian truce, urging both parties in the Sudanese conflict to accept it without preconditions.

Bartos affirmed that the responsibility for ending the conflict lies with the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces, warning that continued arming of either party would prolong the war, emphasizing the necessity for all parties to adhere to humanitarian rules, protect civilians, and ensure safe and complete delivery of aid.

These movements come amid increasing U.S. interest in the Sudanese crisis, with efforts to enforce a truce before the end of the year, despite concerns about its fragility following the failure of around 12 previous truces since the war erupted in April 2023, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and nearly 13 million displaced persons.

SudanKamal IdrisWar in SudanCeasefireSecurity CouncilSudanese armyRapid Support Forces