Despite sanctions and months of diplomacy, the United States finds itself with few levers to halt Sudan’s devastating civil war, as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) press on with attacks in defiance of their own stated truce commitments. Advances of the foreign-backed militia and entrenched divisions within Sudan have repeatedly sidelined Washington’s efforts — leaving Congress grappling over next steps and exposing the limits of American influence.

Just last week, the RSF announced it had agreed to a US-backed truce but on the ground it continued attacking Khartoum and other areas, undercutting its stated commitment to Washington’s efforts.

The declaration came as the diplomatic grouping known as the Quad — the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE — sought to revive a proposal for a three-month humanitarian truce leading to a permanent cease-fire and transitional government. Late last month, the Trump administration hosted Sudanese Foreign Minister Mohieldin Salem to advance the plan, even as the RSF tightened control over the last major army holdout in Darfur.

Washington’s stalled mediation