SUDAN’S top general has rejected a ceasefire proposal by international mediators as “the worst yet,” citing UAE involvement in a blow to efforts to halt a war that has devastated the country for over 30 months.

In video remarks released late on Sunday, General Abdel-Fattah Burhan said the plan was unacceptable and claimed the mediators were “biased” in their attempts to end the conflict.

Sudan descended into conflict in April 2023 when a power struggle between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted into full-scale fighting in Khartoum and across the country.

More than 40,000 people have been killed, according to UN figures, though aid agencies believe the true toll is far higher.

The UN has warned that the war has triggered the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with over 14 million people displaced, widespread disease outbreaks and looming famine in several regions.

The mediators — the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE, known collectively as the Quad — have spent two years trying to broker a ceasefire.

A new proposal calls for a three-month humanitarian truce followed by a nine-month political process.

The RSF has signalled support for the truce amid global outrage over atrocities in El-Fasher, where satellite images show fighters burning and burying bodies in large numbers.

Mass rape and mass displacement have also been reported, with thousands still missing.

Despite agreeing in principle, the RSF continues assaults across Darfur and is battling the army in parts of Kordofan.

It has also pledged to seize Babnusa in West Kordofan.

Mr Burhan said that the proposal “eliminates the Armed Forces, dissolves security agencies and keeps the militia where they are,” accusing US adviser Massad Boulos of trying to “impose conditions” and warning he could obstruct peace efforts.

He also criticised the UAE, accusing it of supporting the RSF, a charge the Gulf state denies.

The UAE is also widely accused by rights groups of arming the paramilitaries.

Mr Burhan insisted the military would only accept a truce once the RSF withdraws from civilian areas so displaced people can return home, saying: “No-one can threaten us or dictate terms to us.”

Today, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and for both parties to negotiate a settlement.

Writing on X, he also called for a “safe & unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, as well as an end to arms and fighters transfer to Sudan.”