US ceasefire plan for Sudan risks Libya-style partition, adviser warns
by@Reuters
Summary
A senior adviser to Sudan's army-led authorities has warned that a U.S. ceasefire proposal to halt the ongoing civil war in Sudan could inadvertently lead to a division of the country similar to that of Libya. This criticism follows the U.S. plan, presented by Senior Advisor Massad Boulos, which calls for a 90-day ceasefire followed by negotiations to restore civilian governance. The Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been engaged in conflict since April 2023, and both have been accused by the U.S. of serious human rights violations. Amidst the turmoil, the RSF has been attempting to create a parallel government in Nyala, but has not established functioning public services.
Analysis
Sudan: Sudan is a North African nation experiencing a civil war between its army-led authorities and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces that began in 2023. The conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis and prompted international diplomatic efforts, including the US ceasefire initiative. Sudanese adviser Amjad Farid has warned that the proposal risks mirroring Libya's partitioned governance model. Amjad Farid: Amjad Farid is a political and international affairs adviser to Sudanese army leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. He has publicly criticized the US ceasefire plan, arguing it ignores army-proposed changes and risks a Libya-style partition of Sudan. Farid spoke to Reuters while attending the UN General Assembly in New York. Massad Boulos: Massad Boulos serves as the US Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, focusing on diplomatic initiatives in the region. He developed the specific ceasefire proposal for Sudan that includes a 90-day pause followed by negotiations on ending the war and restoring a transition to civilian rule. Sudanese officials have accused him of pressuring acceptance of terms that accommodate the RSF's ongoing role. US Government: The US Government encompasses the executive branch agencies and officials responsible for foreign policy and diplomacy, including the State Department and senior advisors focused on regional affairs. In this news, it has advanced a ceasefire proposal through Massad Boulos to address Sudan's ongoing civil war and push toward civilian rule. The plan has drawn criticism from Sudanese officials for potentially enabling a de facto partition. Diplomacy: The US State Department has stated that neither the Sudanese army nor the RSF represents legitimate constitutional governance for the country. US Position: The US has accused the RSF of genocide and the army of war crimes, including the use of chemical weapons. Conflict Dynamics: The RSF has pursued efforts to establish a parallel government in Nyala in western Darfur, including appointing ministers, though without fully operational public institutions.
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