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US Pushes for Humanitarian Truce as Fighting Escalates in Sudan’s Kordofan Region
Secretary of State Marco Rubio urges an immediate ceasefire in Sudan as intensified fighting in Kordofan kills at least 100 civilians and displaces over 50,000 people, with the US pressing external actors to influence both sides.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-20
US Pushes for Humanitarian Truce as Fighting Escalates in Sudan’s Kordofan Region

The United States is calling for an immediate humanitarian truce in Sudan as fighting escalates in the strategic Kordofan region, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio describing the violence as “horrifying” and warning that all parties involved will face lasting condemnation.

Speaking at a year-end news conference, Rubio stressed that the new year presents an opportunity for both sides to agree to a ceasefire and allow critical aid to reach millions trapped by the conflict.

The latest clashes have killed at least 100 civilians since early December and displaced more than 50,000, with residential areas of Dilling being heavily shelled, resulting in the deaths of women, elderly residents, and children, according to the Sudan Doctors Network.

Washington has stepped up diplomatic efforts following a November meeting between President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. US special envoy Massad Boulos recently held talks with officials from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, while Rubio has coordinated with the United Kingdom on regional diplomacy.

Rubio highlighted the role of external weapons supplies in sustaining the conflict between the government-aligned Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which is now in its third year. He said outside actors possess the leverage to bring both parties to the negotiating table.

Conflict monitors report that the UAE provides direct material support to the RSF, while SAF maintains ties with Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. The UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia are also involved in mediation efforts. Rubio acknowledged the challenge of enforcing ceasefires, noting that parties often renege on commitments when battlefield momentum is perceived to favor one side.

The heaviest fighting has shifted from Darfur to Kordofan, with El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan and a key transport hub, identified as a potential next target. Mohamed Refaat, head of the International Organization for Migration’s mission in Sudan, warned that over half a million people could be affected if the city comes under attack.

The conflict has already claimed the lives of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers in Kadugli on December 13, an attack the United Nations Security Council condemned as “heinous and deliberate,” potentially amounting to war crimes. Attacks on medical facilities have further exacerbated the crisis, with the World Health Organization reporting that such strikes accounted for over 80 percent of all global deaths from attacks on healthcare facilities this year. Since the war began in April 2023, 201 attacks on healthcare premises have been verified, resulting in 1,858 deaths.

In Nyala, the self-declared capital of the RSF’s parallel government, 64 medical workers remain detained following the release of nine of 73 initially arrested, according to the Sudan Doctors Network. The African Union’s envoy condemned the RSF’s creation of parallel institutions and systematic attacks against civilians, warning that perpetrators will not escape justice.

Both the RSF and SAF have been accused of war crimes, with the RSF additionally facing allegations of genocide in Darfur, particularly in El-Fasher. Sudan’s war has now killed more than 100,000 people and displaced 14 million, creating what the UN describes as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
Tagged:

HumanitarianCrisis

SudanConflict

RSF

SudanWar

Kordofan

SAF
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