RSF accepts truce but rejects withdrawal in response to U.S. Sudan peace plan
July 14, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudan Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have submitted their response to peace proposals presented by U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos, outlining conditions for a political settlement while rejecting demands to withdraw from captured territories.
The paramilitary group’s response comes as Washington tries to broker a ceasefire to end more than three years of conflict. Sudan’s Security and Defence Council, chaired by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, said on July 12 it had also submitted its own response to mediators.
An RSF leader told Sudan Tribune that the group’s proposal includes a package of conditions related to security arrangements, restructuring state institutions, transitional justice, and a political dialogue leading to a transitional government.
On Monday, Boulos sought to manage expectations regarding the ongoing negotiations, cautioning against premature reports of a breakthrough.
The U.S. envoy stated that some recent commentary and reports had mischaracterized the current efforts to negotiate a humanitarian truce and peace plan for Sudan. He clarified that recent claims suggesting key issues had been fully accepted were inaccurate, as were claims that only a single issue remained unresolved.
Boulos emphasized that discussions are still ongoing, with multiple substantive issues yet to be accepted or having been outright rejected by the warring parties. He added that any official agreement would be formally announced, warning that public speculation or leaked documents purporting to show “settled” issues are neither official nor helpful.
According to the envoy, the United States’ primary focus remains on facilitating serious and constructive dialogue. He reiterated that Washington is committed to delivering a humanitarian truce, along with a plan for comprehensive, lasting peace and a political transition in Sudan.
The proposals, first presented by Boulos in June, call for a 90-day humanitarian truce, a political process, a comprehensive ceasefire, and the start of reconstruction.
An RSF official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the group agreed to an unconditional three-month truce to facilitate aid delivery under United Nations supervision in Darfur, Kordofan, Ed Damazin, and the Nuba Mountains.
However, the RSF rejected a U.S. proposal for a gradual, partial withdrawal of forces from positions it currently controls, particularly in North Darfur and North Kordofan. The group maintains that these areas represent military gains and that future arrangements must reflect the current reality on the ground.
The Sudanese government has consistently rejected a gradual approach, demanding instead a full RSF withdrawal from all territories seized since May 2023, when the paramilitary group significantly expanded its territorial control across western Sudan.
The RSF proposal also demands a comprehensive restructuring of the military to create a new national army with regional representation based on a population census.
The group’s vision calls for the exclusion of Islamist factions and the dissolved National Congress Party from the new military and any future political process.
On accountability, the RSF official said the paper agreed to an independent investigation into violations committed during the war that began on April 15, 2023. The proposal also calls for full cooperation with the International Criminal Court and the handover of all wanted individuals.
The RSF document further demands dismantling the former regime’s influence in the civil service, dissolving the National Intelligence and Security Service, and restructuring state security institutions during the transitional phase.