WASHINGTON, US — The United States has rejected the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), along with their leaders, as legitimate authorities to govern Sudan, saying both factions have relied on force rather than constitutional rule.
The US said neither of the two warring sides had made a serious commitment to an immediate humanitarian truce despite repeated calls to halt fighting and allow a political process to begin.
In a statement, Washington said President Donald Trump was committed to ending what it described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, caused by the war in Sudan.
US Calls for Immediate Humanitarian Truce
The United States said it had repeatedly urged both the SAF and RSF to accept a humanitarian truce without preconditions.
Washington said the two sides should also commit to an inclusive political dialogue leading to a transition to a civilian government.
“These are essential steps to achieving a durable peace in Sudan,” the US said.
However, Washington accused both factions of intensifying combat operations and drone strikes, saying civilians continued to be killed as the conflict escalates.
Trump Administration Rejects Military Rule
The US took an unusually direct position on the legitimacy of Sudan’s two principal armed factions.
“Neither the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces, nor their respective leaders, represent legitimate, constitutional governance for Sudan – they rule through force of arms alone,” Washington said.
The statement added that the conduct of the leaders of both warring factions rendered them ineligible to govern the country.
The US position indicates that Washington does not view either military faction as a legitimate substitute for a civilian government chosen through a constitutional political process.
US Threatens Pressure on Warring Factions
Washington also warned that it would seek to increase pressure on all parties continuing the conflict.
“The United States and President Trump stand ready to work with anyone who is a serious partner for peace in Sudan,” the statement said.
At the same time, Washington said it would seek to “raise the cost of continued conflict” for the belligerents and the networks supporting and financing the war.
Sudan War Fuels Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict between the SAF, commanded by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, has devastated Sudan.
The two factions have been fighting since April 2023, when a power struggle between the military leadership and the RSF erupted into open warfare.
The conflict has displaced millions of Sudanese and created severe shortages of food, medicine and other essential supplies.
The United States said ending the war would require the warring parties to move away from military confrontation and towards an inclusive political settlement.
US Backs Civilian-Led Political Process
Washington said it was prepared to support a peace plan and work with partners willing to pursue a political settlement.
“The Sudanese people are ready to engage in a meaningful civilian dialogue,” the US said.
The statement placed civilian participation at the centre of the proposed transition, rather than handing political authority to either of the armed factions.
The US said it believed that with committed international partners, a path to peace remained possible.
Washington Seeks Power Returned to Sudanese People
The US said its ultimate objective was to restore peace and return political power to Sudan’s civilian population.
“We seek to restore peace and give power back to the Sudanese people,” Washington said.
