An international grouping endorsed preparations for a Sudanese civilian dialogue intended to establish a political route out of the conflict, following consultations held in Addis Ababa from June 3 to 5.
The initiative was supported by the United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy and Norway. It is to be facilitated by a five-member group comprising the African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, League of Arab States, European Union and United Nations.
In a joint statement reported on June 8, 2026, the participants said preparations should begin within weeks. They envisaged a transparent, credible process without coercion, ideally concluding within six months and producing a roadmap toward an independent civilian-led government.
The proposed dialogue would include political and civil-society participants, women, young people and representatives drawn from Sudan’s different regions and communities. The signatories presented that breadth as central to a Sudanese-owned settlement reflecting citizens’ aspirations rather than the dominance of armed forces or a single political actor.
The group maintained that military action could not resolve the crisis. It linked a durable settlement to civilian leadership, democratic and inclusive government, accountability, legitimacy and respect for human rights. Participants also reaffirmed Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
The Addis Ababa discussions followed an international conference in Berlin on April 15. According to Radio Tamazuj, 22 countries and organisations adopted the “Berlin Principles for Sudan” there, while Sudanese civilian stakeholders issued a joint declaration seeking an end to the war and a Sudanese-owned political process. The latest statement described those outcomes as strengthening coordination around a civilian political track.
Humanitarian truce sought
The signatories called for a humanitarian truce that could lead to a permanent ceasefire and renewed political dialogue. They cited the displacement of millions of people, acute food insecurity, inadequate access to basic services and continuing attacks on civilians and important infrastructure. Radio Tamazuj reported that the war had displaced nearly 13 million people and killed tens of thousands.
Fighting began in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces amid disagreement over plans to integrate the paramilitary organisation into the military. International participants said protection of civilians must remain central while the political process advances.
They pledged to assess progress against agreed benchmarks and warned that measures could be considered against people or groups seeking to obstruct a civilian transition. They also sought wider international backing and continued coordination aimed at ending the fighting and reducing humanitarian suffering.
Kenya has separately supported a civilian-led approach. Capital FM Kenya reported that President William Ruto had criticised both the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces while denying allegations that Kenya favoured either party. Nairobi says its involvement rests on IGAD mediation and broader African Union frameworks.
