Pope Leo XIV has called for an “immediate ceasefire” in Sudan, even as the army, led by Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, vowed to continue its war. The general aims to eradicate the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) by the end of 2026. In his Sunday address, Pope Leo urged the international community to support efforts for an immediate ceasefire, praying for those suffering and for peace.
His appeal followed days after the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) declared their intent to fight until the RSF's defeat. Analysts consider this goal overly ambitious, given the paramilitary group’s deep entrenchment in western Sudan. Gen Al Burhan has consistently resisted mediation offers from regional and international powers, pledging to pursue the war despite calls for an end to the conflict and the reinstallation of civilian rule.
Conversely, the RSF’s leader, Gen Mohamed Dagalo, appears more open to negotiations. However, his stance is widely suspected to be motivated by a desire to gain legitimacy. The ongoing power struggle continues to devastate the Sudanese population, caught between warring factions.
The Sudanese army faces accusations of atrocities, including indiscriminate bombing and the use of chemical weapons. The RSF has also been placed under sanctions over alleged war crimes. Commanders from both sides are already subject to international sanctions, yet the conflict persists.
Further complicating the situation, Sudan’s military leadership has announced plans to integrate Islamist extremist militias. These groups were once loyal to former president Omar Al Bashir’s regime. Critics argue these militias have bolstered the army's manpower and have a vested interest in prolonging the war, hoping for a political comeback after their ouster in the 2018-2019 uprising.
Humanitarian Catastrophe Unfolds
Pope Leo expressed deep concern for the “tragic situation in Sudan,” specifically highlighting the city of Al Obeid. He reiterated his call for humanitarian corridors to allow aid to reach trapped civilians and conveyed his “spiritual closeness” to the Sudanese people. Access to essential food and healthcare is severely limited in Al Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state.
Last month, the UN’s human rights chief, Volker Turk, issued a stark warning. He stated that a human rights catastrophe was unfolding as fighting intensified across the country. The civilian population bears the brunt of this protracted conflict, facing displacement and deprivation on an unprecedented scale.
The war, now in its fourth year, has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Approximately 14 million people have been displaced from their homes. The conflict erupted from unresolved differences between Gen Al Burhan and Gen Dagalo, escalating into open hostilities that began in Khartoum and rapidly spread nationwide.
Fragmented Control and Dual Administrations
Territorial control remains fragmented across Sudan. The RSF controls parts of the Kordofan and Blue Nile regions, in addition to Darfur. Meanwhile, the SAF maintains control over the capital, as well as northern, central, and eastern Sudan. This division underscores the deep political and military schism within the country.
Each side has established its own government, further cementing the fragmentation. The army-aligned administration operates from Port Sudan on the Red Sea, while the RSF’s administration is based in Nyala in Darfur. This dual governance structure reflects the profound breakdown of central authority and the ongoing struggle for dominance, leaving the Sudanese people in a state of perpetual uncertainty and suffering.