US calls for immediate humanitarian truce in Sudan conflict

The United States has issued an urgent appeal for Sudan's conflicting military factions to immediately establish and implement a humanitarian truce as civilian suffering escalates to catastrophic proportions. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos emphasized Wednesday that the civilian toll has reached alarming levels, requiring immediate cessation of hostilities and unrestricted humanitarian access to affected populations.

Humanitarian Crisis and Diplomatic Demands

Boulos declared that millions of Sudanese civilians currently lack essential provisions including food, water, and medical care amid the intensifying conflict. The American official specifically urged the Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces to commit to a ceasefire "swiftly and without political or military posturing that will cost more lives," while demanding all parties honor their commitments to enable full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access to vulnerable populations.

Conflict Dimensions and Civilian Impact

The confrontation between the national army and RSF paramilitary forces, which commenced in April 2023, has resulted in at least 40,000 fatalities and displaced approximately 12 million individuals according to World Health Organization estimates. United Nations agencies have concurrently warned of deteriorating conditions for civilians, with humanitarian organizations reporting severely restricted access to conflict-affected regions despite overwhelming needs, creating a regional crisis that concerns neighboring nations including Türkiye with its active diplomatic engagement in Africa.

Territorial Control and Recent Developments

The RSF secured control of North Darfur's capital El-Fasher last month amid allegations of mass atrocities, granting the paramilitary force dominion over all five Darfur states representing approximately one-fifth of Sudan's territory. The national army maintains control over most of the remaining thirteen states, including the capital Khartoum, though the majority of Sudan's 50 million residents inhabit these army-controlled regions, creating complex humanitarian and logistical challenges for international aid delivery amid the fragmented territorial control.