Sudanese civil and political forces on Wednesday urged the leadership of General al-Burhan’s army (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to declare an immediate and comprehensive humanitarian truce at the start of the holy month of Ramadan, alongside the release of all detained civilians and the launch of prisoner exchange arrangements under international supervision.
The appeal was signed by a broad coalition of political parties and civil bodies, including the National Umma Party, the Sudanese Congress Party, the Popular Congress Party, and the Unionist Alliance. Nationalist, Nasserist and Ba’athist parties also endorsed the call, alongside the Sudanese National Alliance, trade unions, professional associations, Resistance Committee coordination bodies, and civil forces affiliated with the Somoud coalition.
The call comes as Sudan’s war, which erupted in April 2023, continues to devastate the country’s humanitarian, health and economic sectors. Millions have been displaced internally or forced to flee abroad, while basic services have collapsed amid repeated warnings from the United Nations of an escalating humanitarian catastrophe.
In a joint memorandum issued on Wednesday, the signatory forces said their call for a truce reflects the values of mercy and solidarity associated with Ramadan. They noted that the conflict has now lasted more than 1,000 days, inflicting severe suffering on millions of Sudanese, and described the initiative as a “moral and national responsibility” toward civilians affected by the war.
The memorandum highlighted the massive loss of life, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with women, children and the elderly bearing the heaviest burden through displacement, hunger and disease.
The groups called for a humanitarian truce to take effect with the start of Ramadan, including a full cessation of hostilities, protection of residential areas and vital facilities, and the opening of safe and sustainable corridors to allow the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.
They said such measures would enable national and international relief organizations to operate effectively and respond to urgent civilian needs.
In addition, the memorandum demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all civilians detained by the warring parties, regardless of political or military considerations. It also urged the swift initiation of prisoner exchange arrangements under the supervision of specialized international organizations to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law.
The signatories stressed that any truce must be accompanied by clear implementation and monitoring mechanisms to ensure adherence and prevent its exploitation for military purposes.
They concluded that responding to these demands would represent a critical step toward alleviating civilian suffering and creating conditions conducive to meaningful peace efforts.
