A Sudanese civilian coalition has declared its primary focus is ending the ongoing war and expressed readiness to negotiate with all parties involved, including factions aligned with the army.
Bakry Eljack, spokesperson for the Coordination of the Democratic and Civil Forces (Tagadum), emphasized the alliance’s commitment to peace. “The priority is halting the conflict, not winning a media battle at the cost of lives,” Eljack told reporters. He criticized attempts to manipulate public opinion and called for all stakeholders to prioritize the needs of the Sudanese people over external pressures.
Eljack’s remarks come as Tagadum faces internal challenges, including demands for reform and discussions about forming a government-in-exile. He also condemned the SAF-led administration in Port Sudan for attempting to label the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a terrorist organization, arguing this approach undermines efforts to achieve peace.
The war, which erupted in April 2023 between General al-Burhan’s forces and the RSF, is increasingly influenced by regional rivalries in the Horn of Africa. Eljack warned of escalating tensions, citing Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki’s recent remarks suggesting Eritrea might intervene alongside the SAF if the conflict threatens its borders.
Eljack expressed concern over the RSF’s decision to boycott negotiations and urged both sides to enter talks without preconditions. “All issues can be addressed at the negotiation table, but setting preconditions beforehand only prolongs the suffering,” he said.
He cautioned against the SAF and RSF forming rival governments in their respective territories, highlighting the potential for chaos, including separate currencies and fragmented education systems.
Speaking at a pivotal meeting in Entebbe, Eljack underscored the dire humanitarian crisis caused by nearly 600 days of fighting. The war has displaced over 11 million people, with 3.5 million refugees fleeing to neighboring countries. He warned that famine could claim millions of lives by year-end, leaving 25 million citizens in desperate need of aid.
“The scale of the catastrophe is unprecedented,” Eljack said. “This meeting is critical for charting a path toward peace and preventing further fragmentation of Sudan.”
