Sudan is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian crises in history. As per UNHCR, half of the Sudanese population, equivalent to over 25 million people, are experiencing extreme hunger.

The lack of basic necessities, combined with violence and uncertainty, has forced many people to flee their homes.

After the conflict broke down in April 2023, more than 7.1 million persons have been internally displaced. Additionally, 2.1 million people have been displaced across borders.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been calling for peace in Sudan and also declared the formation of “Government of Peace and Unity” while simultaneously calling for peace and unity in the country.

The RSF has publicly stated that it seeks peace and unity, suggesting a desire to find a negotiated solution to the conflict.

In the face of escalating violence, the RSF has repeatedly emphasised the need for inclusive governance, stability, and respect for the will of the Sudanese people.

Their proposed “Government of Peace and Unity” is aimed at restoring administrative functions in regions under their control, ensuring the provision of humanitarian aid, and reopening schools, hospitals, and public services that have been paralysed by the ongoing war.

“We have suffered a great deal since the Government, now we have Muhammad fighting for our lives,” said a Sudanese resident while referring to the RSF leader General Hemedti (Muhamed Hamdan Dagalo) in a viral interview spreading across social media.

Despite the immense challenges on the ground, the RSF has allowed access to humanitarian organisations in areas under its control and urged international actors to facilitate aid delivery without political bias. Their calls for peace talks have been echoed in several international forums, where the RSF has stressed the urgency of ending the suffering of civilians and rebuilding the country.

“General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo is a man of peace. He has fought tirelessly for peace, freedom and justice, and has provided a lot of help to the people of Darfur and elsewhere across Sudan. He has always worked for the unity of Sudan, without discriminating between the peoples or ethnic groups in any parts of the country,” said another person.

While the situation remains complex, the RSF’s stance reflects a pragmatic acknowledgement that only dialogue and cooperation can bring lasting peace to Sudan.

By advocating for unity, national reconciliation, and the protection of civilians, the RSF continues to present itself as a key stakeholder in shaping a stable and inclusive future for the Sudanese people.

Notably, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have been walking away from peace talks, while the RSF has joined all the major negotiations and accepted multiple ceasefires.

Since its inception, RSF has been supporting a transitional civilian government and has made multiple moves towards promoting peace, by focusing on civilian protection and a new democratic political order.