Mohamed Hamdan Daglo Hemedti, the leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has pledged to release hundreds of detainees and establish humanitarian corridors in an agreement reached with civilian factions, marking a potential step toward peace in the conflict-ridden nation.

The commitment emerged following diplomatic discussions led by Hemedti across the Horn of Africa, notably engaging with political and civilian representatives in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, commencing on Monday.

In a significant development, a statement released on Tuesday outlined the RSF’s commitment to “release 451 detainees and create secure passages for civilians within areas under their control.” The agreement also laid out plans for joint committees to facilitate the pursuit of sustainable peace and the establishment of an independent national committee to monitor violations in Sudan and identify those responsible.

While the immediate impact on the ground may remain limited, this declaration holds the potential to enhance the RSF’s image amidst allegations of human rights abuses against civilians in Sudan, as Hemedti seeks broader regional acceptance.

As Sudan Armed Forces leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan marked the country’s Independence Day in Port Sudan, Hemedti continued his diplomatic endeavors, planning visits to various Horn of Africa countries after recent engagements in Uganda and Djibouti. This diplomatic pursuit appears to counterbalance Burhan’s recent lobbying efforts.

Notably, this marked the first direct engagement between Hemedti, accused of involvement in atrocities, and the civilian movement since the conflict erupted in April last year.

The declaration, jointly signed by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok on behalf of civilian groups and Hemedti representing the RSF, outlined key objectives including cessation of hostilities, civilian protection, humanitarian aid delivery, and the cessation of conflict, as highlighted in the Committee’s statement.

Crucially, the RSF expressed readiness to immediately halt hostilities through direct negotiations with the army, aiming to engage both the RSF and Sudan Armed Forces factions to facilitate a resolution to the ongoing conflict and a potential return to civilian governance.

The meeting holds significant implications for Hemedti’s outreach strategy, indicating efforts to engage with groups critical of the RSF and Sudan Armed Forces’ rule amid allegations of human rights violations against civilians, as stated by the US State Department in December.

These recent diplomatic maneuvers underscore Hemedti’s pursuit to bridge divides and explore pathways toward peace, occurring within the framework of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), seeking to facilitate talks between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Hemedti.

The meeting, involving Hamdok, leader of the Civil Front for Democracy and a significant figure within the Committee, potentially signifies a shift in Hemedti’s approach towards groups advocating for civilian-led governance, presenting a possible avenue for reconciliation and dialogue amidst Sudan’s strife.