The African Union and the United States have called for an immediate humanitarian truce in Sudan after bringing two international diplomatic mechanisms together for the first time in an effort to coordinate efforts to end the war.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf co-chaired the high-level meeting of the Quad and Quintet with the United States, marking a new attempt to bring separate diplomatic initiatives under a coordinated peace framework.
The meeting brought together the two mechanisms to align their political, security and humanitarian efforts, with participants calling for practical measures to reduce violence, protect civilians and prepare for the implementation of any future agreement.
In his opening remarks, Youssouf warned of the devastating consequences of Sudan’s war, including its growing regional impact and the pressure on neighbouring countries hosting millions of refugees.
He urged the international community to move beyond diplomatic agreements towards coordinated action, stressing that an immediate humanitarian truce and a cessation of hostilities were essential steps towards a lasting ceasefire.
The AU chief reiterated that there was no military solution to Sudan’s conflict and called for an inclusive political process led and owned by Sudanese people, aimed at restoring constitutional order while preserving the country’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Youssouf also called for an end to external military support fuelling the conflict, warning that humanitarian, security and political efforts must advance together rather than through disconnected diplomatic initiatives.
Joint roadmap and civilian dialogue
Participants agreed on the need for stronger coordination between the Quad and Quintet, including a common roadmap linking humanitarian assistance, a cessation of hostilities and Sudanese civilian dialogue.
The Quad comprises the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, while the Quintet brings together the African Union, United Nations, European Union, Arab League and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
According to the AU, the meeting identified several areas for further action, including measures to protect civilians, closer coordination between political and security initiatives, and preparations for monitoring and verifying any agreement reached by the warring parties.
Participants also discussed ongoing work on a humanitarian declaration and the need to address external military interference in Sudan.
The Quintet called for deeper engagement with Sudanese civilian groups, stressing the importance of bringing different political and civil society constituencies into an inclusive peace process.
AU urges coordinated action
In his closing remarks, Youssouf called on the two diplomatic mechanisms to move from broad political agreement towards systematic operational coordination to overcome divisions in international mediation efforts.
He identified three immediate priorities: a humanitarian truce, a cessation of hostilities and an inclusive political dialogue led and owned by Sudanese people.
The AU chief also welcomed Washington’s engagement with Sudanese stakeholders and praised the efforts of US senior adviser for Africa Massad Boulos, who co-chaired the meeting.
Youssouf expressed appreciation for IGAD, the United Nations, the European Union and other international partners involved in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
The meeting’s outcome places greater emphasis on coordinating international mediation, with the participating parties seeking to link immediate humanitarian measures to a broader political settlement. The AU’s readout did not announce a signed truce or a timetable for implementing a ceasefire.
