A group of Western, African, Arab and international organisations on Monday renewed calls for an immediate humanitarian truce in Sudan and backed plans for a civilian-led political process, warning that there is no military solution to the country’s devastating conflict.
In a joint statement, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Britain, the United States, the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States (LAS) and the United Nations (UN) reaffirmed their support for Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
The signatories expressed alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis caused by more than three years of war, which has displaced millions of people and pushed large parts of the country toward famine.
“We express deep concern over the devastating humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict,” the statement said, noting continued attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure and limited access to basic services.
The countries and organisations stressed that civilian protection must remain a priority and reiterated the need for a humanitarian truce that could pave the way for a permanent ceasefire.
The statement welcomed the outcomes of the recent Berlin Conference on Sudan, including the adoption of the “Berlin Principles for Sudan” by 22 countries and organisations and a separate appeal by Sudanese civilian stakeholders calling for an end to the war and a Sudanese-led political process.
The civilian initiative was facilitated by what is known as the “Quintet” — comprising the AU, IGAD, LAS, EU and UN — which has been working to coordinate international efforts aimed at ending the conflict.
The signatories said they remained united in their belief that the crisis cannot be resolved through military means and that any lasting settlement must emerge from an inclusive political process led by Sudanese civilians.
They emphasised that the civilian track should serve as a central pillar in efforts to end the war and launch a democratic transition free from domination by any single political or military actor.
The statement also warned that the international community could consider measures against individuals or groups that attempt to obstruct a civilian transition process.
“Sudan’s future governance is for the Sudanese people to decide through an independent, inclusive, and transparent civilian-led transition process,” it said.
The countries and organisations pledged support for the Quintet’s efforts to launch, within the coming weeks, a broad civilian dialogue bringing together political actors, civil society groups, women, youth and representatives from across Sudan’s diverse regions and communities.
According to the statement, the dialogue should be transparent, credible and free from coercion, with the aim of reaching conclusions within six months.
Its outcome, the signatories said, should provide a clear roadmap toward the establishment of an independent civilian-led government founded on accountability, legitimacy and respect for human rights.
They described the creation of such a government as essential to securing a durable end to the conflict.
The joint declaration concluded with a call for wider international support and closer coordination to help end the war, ease humanitarian suffering and support Sudan’s transition toward peace and democratic governance.
Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since fighting erupted between rival military factions in April 2023, triggering one of the world’s largest displacement and humanitarian crises. International mediation efforts have so far failed to secure a lasting ceasefire, while civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence.
