A joint international statement calling for a truce in Sudan that paves the way for a permanent ceasefire
The United States and a number of Western countries, along with the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the League of Arab States, called for an urgent humanitarian truce in Sudan that would lead to a permanent ceasefire, affirming their commitment to supporting Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The call came in a joint statement issued following consultations held by the five-member international mechanism on Sudan in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, between June 3 and 5, as a follow-up to the outcomes of the Berlin conference on Sudan, which was held last April.
The signatories expressed their deep concern about the humanitarian repercussions of the ongoing war, in light of the expansion of displacement, worsening food insecurity, decline in basic services, and continued attacks on civilians and infrastructure. The statement stressed that protecting civilians must remain a top priority, reiterating the urgent need for a humanitarian truce that leads to a permanent cessation of fighting.
The statement stressed that a military solution to the Sudanese crisis cannot be reached, stressing that a sustainable settlement must be based on a comprehensive political process led by civilians and reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people.
The signatories welcomed what was known as the “Berlin Principles for Sudan,” which were adopted by 22 countries and international organizations, considering that they represent an important step to enhance international coordination and support the path of political settlement.
They also stressed the necessity of launching a rapid and time-bound civil path that leads to a transitional phase with independent civilian leadership, far from the control of any party or the influence of any extremist groups.
The statement indicated that the international community will continue to evaluate the progress made on this path, with the possibility of taking action against parties that seek to undermine the transitional process.
The statement called for the start of preparation in the coming weeks for a comprehensive Sudanese dialogue led by civil forces, and including a wide range of political and societal forces, including civil society organizations, women, youth, and representatives of various Sudanese regions.
He explained that the goal is to reach a national consensus within a reasonable period of time, preferably not exceeding six months, leading to the establishment of an independent civilian government based on legitimacy, accountability, and respect for human rights.
The signatories stressed that the establishment of an independent civilian government represents a basic condition for ending the conflict in a sustainable manner and opening the way for a democratic political transition.
Sudanese welcome
The Democratic Bloc Alliance welcomed the statement, considering it to represent an important push for efforts to end the war and launch a comprehensive political process leading to a sustainable civilian transition.
The “Resilience” coalition also called on the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces to accept the humanitarian truce proposal, welcoming the international statement and supporting the political understandings reached by Sudanese civil forces during the recent Addis Ababa meetings.
These moves come at a time when regional and international efforts continue to end the ongoing war in Sudan, amid escalating humanitarian pressures and increasing calls to launch a comprehensive political process led by Sudanese civil forces.
