A first round of Sudanese talks will begin soon in Addis Ababa under the joint auspices of the African Union, Arab League, United Nations and IGAD, an Arab League official said, in a bid to broaden consensus on steps to end the war.
The meetings at AU headquarters are expected to bring together the Democratic Bloc, the Somud coalition, political parties and civil society groups, the official told Asharq Al-Awsat. It would be the first such joint Arab-African-international format since fighting erupted in April 2023.
The push runs alongside the U.S.-led Quartet—Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the United States—which on Friday urged a three-month humanitarian truce as a bridge to a permanent ceasefire and a nine-month transition to civilian rule. The Quartet said there is no military solution, called for safe nationwide aid access and protection of civilians, and urged an end to all external military support to the warring sides.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit launched a coordination initiative in June 2024 to align regional and international efforts, followed by meetings in Arab and African capitals and at the EU. Egypt said its backing reflects support for Sudan’s unity and institutions and signalled further Quartet consultations, including on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly this month.
War between the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces since April 15, 2023 has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions and driven a severe humanitarian and food crisis, alongside the worst cholera outbreak in years.
