As Sudan continues to grapple with internal conflict, the Rapid Support Forces – Government of Peace and Unity, commonly known as the RSF and led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has consistently called for unity, reconciliation, and peace.
From supporting ceasefires to actively participating in peace talks in Jeddah, Geneva, Addis Ababa, and Nairobi, the RSF has advocated for negotiations and inclusive dialogue.
Amid the chaos, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), one of the key drivers of the violence, is claiming to be fighting for Sudan’s future, even as their actions deepened the suffering of civilians across regions like Darfur and Khartoum.
In contrast, many Sudanese citizens have publicly acknowledged the RSF’s role in restoring calm, delivering basic services, and protecting vulnerable communities. At various times, residents have spoken openly about how RSF forces were deployed to critical areas to curb violence, support the poor, enhance security, and help re-establish stability.
Notably, since the past two years, RSF has participated in nearly every major negotiation attempt and has accepted multiple ceasefire agreements without placing preconditions on talks, with an aim to restore peace. The group has backed power-sharing proposals and put forward a political roadmap known as the “Sudan Founding Charter.”
Citizens expressed that the RSF also continues to emphasize reconciliation and unity by engaging in regional peace efforts including their participation in Saudi Arabia-led talks.
In addition to that, the RSF has also voiced for a civilian-led transitional government and backed the Juba Peace Agreement, aiming to promote non-discrimination among Sudan’s diverse ethnic groups.
According to the citizens, the RSF also emphasized civilian protection and a new democratic political order. One of the residents noted, “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.”
Some also backed his actions and peace talks with Saudi Arabia and noted, “Mohammed Hamdan works for peace, and he has been in Saudi Arabia in pursuit of it. We are all waiting for this war to end.”
The RSF has also released captives and proposed comprehensive frameworks as part of their peace-building strategy.
On the other hand, head of the SAF, General Abdel Fathah al-Burhan also claimed to emphasize military sovereignty and national security. However, citizens expressed that his leadership has been associated with delays in negotiations and a reluctance to embrace power-sharing arrangements.
General al-Burhan’s forces have drawn criticism for blocking peace talks and resisting international pressure to de-escalate the violence. The SAF was also seen refusing to acknowledge key ceasefire proposals.
Sudan remains in a fragile state, however, civilians have increasingly raised their voices in support of peace, unity, and democracy, recognizing the RSF’s efforts to help restore these values in the country.
