Addis Ababa, June 09 (Darfur24)
Western governments and regional and international organizations on Monday expressed support for efforts by the five-party mechanism to launch a broad Sudanese dialogue led by civilian forces, aimed at ending the war and paving the way for a political transition toward an independent civilian government.
The position was outlined in a joint statement issued by the United States, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, and the United Kingdom, alongside the African Union, European Union, IGAD, the League of Arab States, and the United Nations, following consultations with Sudanese political and civil groups in Addis Ababa.
The statement reaffirmed support for a peaceful, democratic and stable Sudan, stressing respect for the country’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. It emphasized that the conflict cannot be resolved through military means and called for an urgent humanitarian truce leading to a permanent ceasefire.
The signatories backed preparations for an inclusive national dialogue involving political and civil forces, women, youth, and civil society representatives from across Sudan. They said the process should be transparent, credible, and free from coercion.
The international partners also pledged support for completing the dialogue within six months and developing a roadmap toward civilian rule based on legitimacy, accountability, and respect for human rights.
The statement warned that measures could be taken against individuals or groups that obstruct the civilian transition process, stressing that Sudan’s future governance must be determined through an independent and inclusive Sudanese-led process.
The announcement follows recent consultations in Addis Ababa, where Sudanese political and civil actors agreed on a joint document calling for an end to the conflict through a comprehensive political settlement and the restoration of democratic civilian rule.