The quasi-military Rapid Support Forces in Sudan announced that they are "open to a long-term ceasefire with the army" and presented their vision for establishing a new Sudanese state, a move that could revive efforts for direct talks between the warring parties. In a statement issued late on Sunday, Rapid Support Forces Commander Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemeti, appeared willing to negotiate with the army regarding the future shape of the Sudanese state, moving beyond the technical aspects of a permanent ceasefire that have hindered mediation efforts sponsored by Saudi Arabia and the United States.
He added, "The war raging in Sudan is a reflection or manifestation of the prolonged Sudanese crisis. Therefore, the search for an agreement for a long-term ceasefire must be accompanied by principles of a comprehensive political solution that addresses the root causes of Sudan's wars."
Under the vision for "establishing a new Sudanese state," Hemeti committed the Rapid Support Forces to principles previously proposed, such as multicultural federal governance, democratic elections, and a unified army.
The Rapid Support Forces' statement came as the fighting between them and the army entered its twentieth week without either side declaring victory, while millions have been forced to flee their homes in the capital and other cities. The warring parties have exchanged accusations of igniting the conflict, which began on April 15, following weeks of tension over the integration of the Rapid Support Forces into the army as part of a plan for transitioning to democracy.
