The United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt have announced a new roadmap to end Sudan’s conflict, effective immediately.
The proposal, presented on Friday, calls for a three-month humanitarian truce, followed by a permanent ceasefire and a nine-month transition to civilian-led governance.
According to the joint statement, the roadmap is designed to halt fighting and restore civilian authority after years of military and paramilitary dominance.
Foreign ministers of the four countries stressed that “there is no viable military solution to the conflict, and the status quo creates unacceptable suffering and risks to peace and security.”
Roadmap rollout
The plan outlines an immediate ceasefire to take effect after the truce, with both the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) urged to comply.
Previous attempts at ceasefires, including a UN-backed call in June, have faltered, highlighting the challenges of enforcement.
The mediating countries are seen as key players with leverage over both sides. Egypt and Saudi Arabia have ties to the Sudanese army, while the UAE has faced accusations of supporting the RSF, a claim it denies but which analysts say carries weight.
Sanctions and restrictions
The roadmap rules out any role for the Muslim Brotherhood or Islamist groups in Sudan’s political transition.
In parallel, Washington announced sanctions on Sudan’s finance minister, Jibril Ibrahim, and the Baraa Ibn-Malik Brigade, a militia aligned with the army. The U.S. Treasury said the measures aim to limit Islamist influence and curtail Iran’s regional activities.
Sudan has faced potential division as rival administrations led by SAF General Burhan and RSF leader Hemedti establish control over different regions. This conflict stems from a power struggle that escalated into a full-blown war in April 2023.
As of last month, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), had established parallel administrations in opposing sections of the nation.
The conflict has displaced over 10 million civilians., worsened famine conditions, and entrenched RSF control in parts of Darfur. Mediators warn that without acceptance of the roadmap, Sudan risks deeper instability and further regional spillover.
