As Sudan’s devastating civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues into its third year, the RSF has clear its position in favor of open political dialogue and international peace efforts, presenting engagement in peace processes as central to its vision for Sudan’s future governance.
In late November 2025, the RSF issued a public statement declaring its “full and serious responsiveness to all initiatives aimed at ending the war,” acknowledging mounting diplomatic efforts and thanking foreign leaders for their mediation efforts. The announcement emphasized the group’s willingness to engage in negotiations geared toward halting violence and addressing root political grievances, particularly the dismantling of institutions associated with past authoritarian rule.
The RSF’s statement described external mediation — including from U.S. and regional partners — as a positive step toward peace and cast the principal obstacles to dialogue as elements within the SAF and political elites it labels remnants of the old regime. This reflects the RSF’s broader narrative that the conflict is not simply military but political, rooted in contestation over governance and Sudan’s transition.
Regional responses have varied. Kenya, which has publicly reaffirmed its willingness to support peace efforts in Sudan, underscored the importance of inclusive dialogue and offered to assist in mediation following tensions over a separate RSF-led meeting held in Nairobi earlier in 2025. Kenyan officials emphasized that peace requires cooperation among all parties.
The African Union (AU) has also stressed political avenues to peace, urging all actors to recommit to negotiated solutions that respect Sudan’s unity and civilian protection.
Sudan’s government has also participated in diplomatic dialogues, including proposals for mediated talks involving external partners such as Turkey and Qatar, reflecting international pressure for a negotiated solution involving both the SAF and RSF.
As humanitarian suffering escalates nationwide, the role of political dialogue and inclusive peace initiatives remains central to international efforts to end the war.