Secret US Diplomacy in Sudan Fuels Ceasefire Speculation

Strategic Insights -

Reports of secret meetings in Switzerland between US presidential adviser Massad Boulos and Sudan's rival military leaders have sparked speculation that Washington is testing the ground for a ceasefire to halt the country's catastrophic war. Boulos allegedly met with Sudan's army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his rival General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), to discuss a US proposal for a nationwide truce and unhindered humanitarian access. The meetings, shrouded in secrecy, have raised questions about Washington's intentions and whether a diplomatic breakthrough is possible.

Key Takeaways:

  • US presidential adviser Massad Boulos held secret meetings with Sudan's army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his rival General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in Switzerland on August 11, 2023.
  • The meetings reportedly focused on a US proposal for a nationwide truce and unhindered humanitarian access.
  • The secrecy and lack of official confirmation have raised questions about whether Washington is mounting a serious diplomatic breakthrough or merely conducting a "pulse check" on the warring sides.
  • Analysts warn of mounting hostility in post-Geneva rhetoric, hardening stances by extremist commanders, and the rise of "war profiteers" keen to block peace.
  • Political analyst Hatem Elias believes that Islamists embedded within the army and state view continued war as vital to their survival, while analyst Mohamed Latif cautions that US diplomacy faces hurdles, including the RSF's resistance to external pressure.
  • The talks reportedly focused on a US proposal for a nationwide truce and unhindered humanitarian access.

Statistics:

  • Sudan's war has raged since April 2023.
  • The US has imposed sanctions on Hemedti in January 2025 and Burhan nine days later, accusing the army of using chemical weapons.
  • The US unveiled a new "Quad" contact group on Sudan in July, alongside Britain, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
  • The inaugural meeting of the "Quad" contact group was postponed indefinitely.
  • The RSF has allegedly tightened its grip on central Sudan, and consolidated a rival administration.

Sources:

  • Saudi Research and Publishing Co. ( )
  • Asharq al-Awsat