Cairo, Egypt — Egypt, the United Nations and the United States used a new diplomatic session on Tuesday to press Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to accept an immediate nationwide humanitarian truce as their war approaches its third year. Official statements indicate that the appeal was delivered at the fifth gathering of the Cairo-based “Consultative Mechanism to Enhance and Coordinate Peace Efforts,” a format that brings together more than twenty governments and multilateral bodies but does not include direct talks between the belligerents. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, co-chairing the meeting with UN Secretary-General’s envoy Ramtane Lamamra, told reporters that any fragmentation of Sudan or elevation of “parallel entities” is a “red line” for Cairo.
“There is absolutely no room for recognising parallel entities or any militias,” he said stressing that the Sudanese army must remain the country’s sole legitimate military force. Abdelatty added that Egypt “will not stand idly” if Sudan’s unity is threatened and is ready to take “necessary measures” to prevent state collapse. Lamamra said the continued attendance of envoys from Africa, the Arab world, Europe, China, Russia and the United States showed that diplomacy “remains a viable path” despite repeated breakdowns of previous cease-fire bids.
Massad Boulos, senior US adviser for Arab and African affairs, participated in the session.
According to regional officials, he reiterated Washington’s support for a truce and noted that “all leverage options” are under review, a phrase interpreted by some observers as signalling possible future sanctions or incentives. Sudan’s war erupted on 15 April 2023 when army chief Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo failed to agree on a transition plan.
Since then, independent observers say the conflict has killed tens of thousands and forced about 12 million people from their homes, while humanitarian agencies warn of famine conditions in parts of Darfur and Kordofan.
No face — to-face negotiations between the army and the RSF were announced in Cairo.
The paramilitary group did not send representatives to this round, and its leadership has previously demanded external pressure on the army before it will consider fresh talks.
Further details on a proposed truce text or timeline have not been released. Officials say discussions will continue in the coming days, and envoys expect to circulate draft humanitarian-access arrangements to both sides.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
