Sudan’s Civil Democratic Alliance of the Forces of the Revolution (Somoud) has called on the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to immediately accept a humanitarian truce, welcoming renewed international efforts to end the country’s devastating war.
In a statement on Thursday, the civilian coalition said the proposed truce and cessation of hostilities should pave the way for a comprehensive ceasefire, the protection of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian assistance, according to local Sudanese media.
The appeal followed a joint meeting of the Quad and Quintet mechanisms in New York on Wednesday, where regional and international representatives called for an immediate humanitarian truce and stronger coordination between Sudan’s political, security and humanitarian tracks.
The meeting, co-chaired by the United States and African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, marked the first time the two diplomatic mechanisms had convened together. Participants also discussed preparations for monitoring and verifying any agreement reached between the warring parties.
Somoud said closer coordination between regional and international mediators could help end the conflict and alleviate the suffering of millions of Sudanese.
The coalition stressed that any humanitarian truce must lead to a credible, Sudanese-owned political process capable of delivering sustainable peace and restoring civilian democratic rule.
It also reiterated its rejection of a military solution, arguing that an urgent and comprehensive political settlement remains the only viable path out of the crisis.
Somoud challenges military rule
The alliance said Sudan has lacked a legitimate governing authority since the military takeover of October 25, 2021, arguing that political legitimacy cannot be established through military force or the imposition of a government by force.
Instead, it said legitimate authority must emerge from the will of the Sudanese people through a transition to democratic civilian government.
Somoud urged Sudanese political and civilian groups to coordinate their efforts to end the war, protect state institutions and preserve the country’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
International mediators seek joint roadmap
The Quad comprises the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, while the Quintet brings together the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Arab League, the European Union and the United Nations.
Their New York meeting followed a Quintet diplomatic mission to Khartoum from September 8 to 10, during which representatives met Sudanese officials and political and civilian stakeholders to discuss efforts to revive an inclusive political process.
At Wednesday’s meeting, the two mechanisms agreed to strengthen operational coordination and develop a shared roadmap linking humanitarian assistance, a cessation of hostilities and civilian political dialogue.
The Quintet also stressed the importance of expanding engagement with Sudanese civilian groups and bringing diverse political constituencies into an inclusive peace process.
Youssouf identified three immediate priorities: securing a humanitarian truce, ending hostilities and launching a comprehensive dialogue owned and led by Sudanese stakeholders.
He also called for an end to external military support fuelling the conflict, while reaffirming the African Union’s commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
