US Pushes for Sudan Humanitarian Truce Amidst El-Fasher Atrocity Reports

The United States is negotiating a humanitarian pause in Sudan’s civil war. This effort comes as the International Criminal Court investigates a brutal rampage in the city of el-Fasher. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces captured the city after an 18-month siege.

Witnesses report widespread killings and sexual assaults by RSF fighters. The World Health Organization states gunmen killed hundreds at a hospital. Communications remain poor, obscuring the full death toll.

Details of the Proposed Ceasefire and Crisis

U.S. adviser for African affairs Massad Boulos confirmed the talks. He told the Associated Press an announcement could come soon. The proposed plan involves a three-month humanitarian truce.

This would be followed by a nine-month political process. The U.S. is working with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE. Together, this group is known as the Quad.

The fall of el-Fasher marks a major shift in the two-year conflict. The city was the last army stronghold in the Darfur region. Its capture gives the RSF significant strategic momentum.

International Response and War Crimes Evidence

The ICC is actively working to preserve evidence from el-Fasher. Its prosecutors stated the violence may constitute war crimes. These recent events fit a broader pattern of violence across Darfur.

In January, the ICC chief prosecutor warned the UN Security Council. He said both sides may be committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. The court recently secured its first conviction for Darfur atrocities.

Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-al-Rahman, known as Ali Kushayb, was found guilty. His crimes included ordering mass executions. This sets a precedent for future prosecutions from the current conflict.

The push for a Sudan humanitarian truce is now a critical international priority. A successful agreement could save countless lives. The world watches as diplomats race against a backdrop of severe human suffering.

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What is the main goal of the proposed US truce?

The primary goal is to establish a three-month pause in fighting. This would allow desperately needed aid to reach civilians. A subsequent nine-month political roadmap would follow.

Who controls el-Fasher now?

The Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group now controls el-Fasher. They captured the city after an 18-month-long siege. It was the last major army holdout in the Darfur region.

What alleged atrocities occurred in the city?

Witnesses report RSF fighters killing civilians and committing sexual assaults. The WHO confirmed an attack on a hospital that killed at least 460 people. These acts are under investigation as potential war crimes.

How has the international community reacted?

The ICC is moving to collect and preserve evidence for future prosecutions. The US-led Quad is pushing for a diplomatic solution. There is widespread condemnation of the violence against civilians.

Why is this conflict happening?

The war is a power struggle between the Sudanese national army and the RSF paramilitary group. It erupted in April 2023 over a disputed transition to civilian rule. The conflict has since spiraled into a nationwide humanitarian disaster.