**Khartoum, Sudan** – In a critical juncture for a nation teetering on the brink, Sudan's Prime Minister, Kamil Idris, has presented a comprehensive peace proposal to the United Nations Security Council, aiming to extricate the country from the devastating conflict that erupted in April 2023. The initiative, unveiled on Monday, outlines a multi-faceted approach to de-escalate hostilities, foster political transition, and address the burgeoning humanitarian catastrophe, even as fighting intensifies in key regions.
The proposed roadmap seeks to establish an immediate cessation of hostilities, a cornerstone of any lasting resolution. Central to Idris's plan is the strategic withdrawal of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary from territories they currently control, followed by their encampment for eventual disarmament. This measure is intended to pave the way for a more stable security environment, allowing for the crucial process of political dialogue and reconstruction. Furthermore, the Prime Minister's vision encompasses the organisation of free and fair elections following a defined transitional period, alongside the reintegration of RSF combatants who are not implicated in egregious war crimes. This forward-looking element underscores a commitment to national reconciliation, albeit a complex undertaking given the deep divisions and widespread atrocities reported.
Despite the diplomatic overtures, the reality on the ground remains grim. Fierce engagements persist in the Kordofan States, specifically North Kordofan, where the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have reported regaining control of a strategically important town. This ongoing military activity directly contradicts the spirit of the peace plan and exacerbates the already dire humanitarian situation. Thousands of civilians are being compelled to flee their homes, driven by the relentless fighting and an acute scarcity of essential provisions. Areas like Heglig, once a vital oil-producing region, and el-Fasher, a significant city in the western Darfur region, have become epicentres of displacement, with residents undertaking arduous journeys, often on foot or in overcrowded vehicles, to seek safety.
The influx of displaced persons into existing and newly established camps is overwhelming already strained resources. Volunteers working in centres such as the Gos Alsalam displacement camp in Kosti have painted a harrowing picture of the conditions faced by arrivals. These individuals are grappling with severe shortages of food, potable water, life-saving medication, and adequate shelter. The psychological toll is equally devastating, with numerous accounts emerging of extreme trauma, including instances of sexual violence and the heartbreaking loss of family members during perilous escapes. The capture of el-Fasher in October and the seizure of the Heglig oilfield in early December by the RSF represent significant territorial gains by the paramilitary force, further complicating any immediate cessation of hostilities and underscoring the deep entrenchment of the conflict.
The United Nations Security Council, along with regional bodies such as the African Union and the Arab League, are expected to play a pivotal role in monitoring any ceasefire and facilitating the implementation of the peace plan. However, the sheer scale of the crisis, with an estimated 14 million people displaced and tens of thousands killed since the conflict's inception, presents an immense challenge. The effectiveness of Prime Minister Idris's proposal will undoubtedly hinge on the willingness of both the SAF, led by Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo, to engage in genuine dialogue and demonstrate a tangible commitment to peace. Without this crucial buy-in, the ambitious blueprint risks remaining a mere aspiration against the backdrop of persistent violence and an ever-deepening humanitarian emergency.