In a joint statement, the African Union, European Union, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States have outlined a two-track approach to end the war in Sudan. The tracks include negotiations between warring parties for a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive civilian-led political dialogue to determine the future of governance. This dialogue aims to lead to a peaceful political transition, free from disruption by armed groups and external interference.
The statement, issued after a ministerial meeting in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, warns that the war threatens Sudan's future and regional stability. It highlights Sudan's severe humanitarian crisis and displacement, with 33 million people in need of assistance and 20 million facing acute food insecurity. The international community has expressed concern over the escalating conflict and its impact on the region.
The global powers have urged the warring parties to resume negotiations for a permanent ceasefire, specifically referencing a proposal by the Quad (the United States, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt). They have expressed readiness to take further actions to support reaching and implementing an agreement. The Quad's efforts aim to start with a humanitarian truce and de-escalation, leading to a permanent ceasefire and conditions for a political process.
The statement emphasizes that the Sudanese people should decide their future governance through an inclusive, credible, and transparent political process. It stresses that armed groups and external actors should not obstruct this dialogue, and their roles should focus on stopping the fighting and security arrangements, not on determining the future governance or imposing political legitimacy by force.
The international community has reiterated its support for the Quintet (the UN, EU, AU, IGAD, and Arab League) to facilitate a civilian-led political dialogue for a peaceful transition. They also support efforts by the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy to revive political dialogue in coordination with the Quintet. This approach separates the negotiation of a ceasefire from the political transition process.
The statement identifies key issues for a comprehensive political settlement, including relations between the center and regions, power distribution, governance arrangements, and constitutional and financial matters. These issues go beyond the sharing of positions among political and military forces, focusing on rebuilding the state, wealth distribution, and addressing historical grievances that have fueled conflicts.
The international community has condemned external support that perpetuates the military capabilities of warring parties and demands an end to foreign military interventions. They also denounce serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by both parties, including civilian killings, ethnic attacks, and sexual violence. There is a commitment to promoting accountability for atrocities without granting political or legal immunity to parties involved.
Key points
- The international community urges a return to negotiations for a permanent ceasefire in Sudan.
- A civilian-led political dialogue is essential for determining Sudan's future governance.
- External support for warring parties and human rights violations are strongly condemned.
