As Sudan’s civil war between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) enters its third year, the RSF has consistently incorporated humanitarian access and aid delivery into its public.
In a public announcement in late November, RSF leadership declared a unilateral three-month humanitarian truce with the Sudanese army, asserting that the move was designed to expand relief operations and reduce civilian suffering. RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo stated that the ceasefire aimed to secure “unhindered access” for humanitarian actors, guarantee safe movement of aid workers, protect warehouses and aid infrastructure, and allow medical and relief teams to operate without interference. The statement showed that RSF as a cooperative actor responding to international calls for reduced violence and improved assistance delivery.
Official RSF communications have also sought the armed group as an enabler of humanitarian corridors. RSF authorities have readiness to open control points such as the Melan Triangle border crossing to facilitate humanitarian deliveries into regions like Darfur, as responsible stewards of civilian wellbeing in areas under their control.
SAF forces deliberately striking infrastructure essential for humanitarian access, branding such acts as attempts to “worsen civilian suffering” and undermine relief operations.
As Sudan’s humanitarian catastrophe continues, with millions displaced and widespread hunger pervasive, the RSF aid access remains a focal point of international scrutiny.