A coalition of international partners, including the United States, European and African institutions, and the United Nations, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a civilian-led political transition in Sudan, while calling for an urgent end to the country’s ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.
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The commitment was contained in a joint statement issued yesterday following consultations held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The talks were organised by the Quintet, comprising the African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), League of Arab States, European Union and United Nations, as a follow-up to the Sudan Conference held in Berlin on April 15.

‎The signatories, which include Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States, the African Union, European Union, IGAD, League of Arab States and the United Nations, reaffirmed their support for Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, as well as a peaceful, democratic and stable future for the country.

‎They expressed deep concern over the humanitarian impact of the conflict, noting that millions of Sudanese have been displaced and are facing severe food insecurity, while attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure have continued.

‎”The protection of civilians must remain central,” the statement said, reiterating the need for a humanitarian truce that would lead to a permanent ceasefire.

‎The international partners welcomed the outcomes of the Berlin Conference, including the adoption of the Berlin Principles for Sudan by 22 countries and organisations and a joint call by Sudanese civilian stakeholders for an end to the war, and the advancement of a Sudanese-owned political process.

‎According to the statement, the Berlin outcomes represent an important step toward strengthening international coordination and reinforcing support for a civilian-led pathway to a lasting peace settlement.

‎The group stressed that there could be no military solution to the crisis and maintained that a sustainable resolution must emerge through an inclusive political process led by civilians and reflecting the aspirations of the Sudanese people.

‎The signatories underscored the importance of advancing what they described as the “civilian track” as a key element in efforts to end the conflict and establish a democratic transition free from domination by any single group or extremist influence.

‎They pledged support for a swift, time-bound process that would lead to civilian governance and warned that the international community could consider measures against individuals or groups seeking to obstruct the transition.

‎The statement also backed preparations by the Quintet to launch, within the coming weeks, a comprehensive and inclusive Sudanese civilian-led dialogue involving political actors, civil society organisations, women, youth groups and representatives from across Sudan’s diverse communities.
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The proposed dialogue, the partners said, should be transparent, credible, and free from coercion, with the aim of reaching conclusions within six months.
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They added that the process should produce a clear roadmap toward the establishment of an independent civilian-led government based on legitimacy, accountability, and respect for human rights.
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According to the statement, the creation of such a government is essential to achieving a durable end to the conflict and ensuring long-term stability in Sudan.

‎The international partners also called for broader global support and pledged continued coordination to help end the war, ease humanitarian suffering and advance Sudan’s peaceful transition.