Sudan's Army Chief Rejects US-Led Ceasefire Proposal, Calling it "Worst Yet"

In a significant setback to international peace efforts, Sudan's de facto leader, General Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, has publicly rejected a ceasefire plan brokered by a group of mediators led by the United States, denouncing it as "the worst yet."

The proposal, presented by the "Quad" nations-the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-outlined a three-month humanitarian truce to be followed by a nine-month political process aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict.

In a video address released on November 25, 2025, General al-Burhan sharply criticized the plan. He stated that the terms would "effectively eliminate the existence of the armed forces," dissolve key security institutions, and leave the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) unscathed. He described the proposal as "very bad and unacceptable."

The general specifically singled out the role of US envoy Massad Boulos and the participation of the UAE in the mediation, accusing them of imposing unfair terms. "We fear he [Boulos] will be an obstacle to the peace that all the people of Sudan seek," al-Burhan said.

While the RSF has reportedly agreed to the ceasefire plan, al-Burhan argued that it would strategically weaken the national army while cementing the RSF's territorial gains made during the conflict.

The rejection comes as Sudan continues to endure a brutal civil war that began in April 2023 between the national army and the RSF. United Nations estimates indicate the conflict has resulted in over 40,000 deaths, displaced millions of people, and pushed large parts of the country toward famine and a severe humanitarian crisis.

In response to al-Burhan's rejection, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, the UAE's Minister of State for International Cooperation, accused the Sudanese army chief of "consistently obstructive behaviour" and demanded he reconsider his stance.

The US and its partners have urged both sides to accept the proposed plan without alterations, warning that continued rejection risks prolonging the catastrophic situation in Sudan.

Outlining his conditions for any future truce, General al-Burhan stated he would only accept a ceasefire if the RSF first withdraws from civilian-held areas throughout Sudan, allowing displaced people to return to their homes.

He affirmed, "We're not warmongers, and we don't reject peace - but no one can threaten us or dictate terms to us." This demand is expected to complicate any further negotiations for a political settlement.