Efforts to end the devastating civil war in Sudan gained momentum on Monday as foreign ministers of the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates announced renewed consultations aimed at restoring peace and security in the conflict-torn nation.
In a joint statement released after their meeting in New York, the ministers reaffirmed their collective commitment to ending Sudan’s war, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti.
The ministers described Sudan’s crisis as the “world’s worst humanitarian disaster,” stressing that the conflict has not only devastated the Sudanese people but also threatens regional stability.
Millions have been displaced internally and across borders, while famine, indiscriminate bombings, and the collapse of basic services have compounded the suffering.
The four countries outlined five key principles they believe must guide the resolution of Sudan’s war.
First, they emphasized that Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity must remain intact as a foundation for long-term stability.
Second, they declared that there is no military solution to the conflict, warning that the current stalemate is unsustainable and poses unacceptable risks.
The third principle called on all warring parties to immediately facilitate safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access.
This includes protecting civilians and refraining from indiscriminate aerial and ground assaults, particularly those targeting homes, schools, hospitals, and other civilian infrastructure.
Fourth, the ministers stressed that Sudan’s governance future must be determined by its people through an inclusive, transparent transition—not dictated by any of the warring factions.
They argued that only such a process can produce an independent, civilian-led government with legitimacy and accountability.
The fifth principle underscored the need to end all forms of external military support to either side of the conflict. Such interventions, they warned, only prolong the war and destabilize the wider region.
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As a first step, the ministers called for a three-month humanitarian truce that would allow aid agencies unfettered access across all parts of Sudan. This truce, they said, should be a prelude to a permanent ceasefire.
They further proposed that within nine months of the ceasefire, Sudan should embark on an inclusive transition process leading to the establishment of a civilian-led government.
Such a government, they argued, is vital to safeguarding Sudan’s state institutions, preventing extremist infiltration, and ensuring stability.
The ministers also warned against the destabilising influence of violent extremist groups, particularly those linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, whose involvement has exacerbated regional insecurity.
The joint statement concluded with a pledge to continue consultations during the upcoming Quad ministerial meeting later in September 2025.
The ministers reaffirmed their readiness to work closely with African and Arab states, the United Nations, and other international partners to support peace and reconstruction in Sudan.
For many observers, this renewed multilateral push signals growing urgency to address a conflict that has dragged on for more than two years with catastrophic consequences.
The coming weeks will test whether the warring Sudanese factions, and their external backers, are willing to embrace compromise in the face of mounting humanitarian and diplomatic pressure.
NAN
