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Sudanese political and civil forces from rival factions have achieved a significant breakthrough, agreeing on a shared vision to end the ongoing war and establish a path toward democratic civilian governance. This consensus, reached after days of intensive talks, represents the first such agreement since the conflict erupted in April 2023.

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The parties have agreed on a new political path to achieve comprehensive peace, end the war, and establish the basis for a peaceful solution that preserves Sudan’s unity and sovereignty.

The joint statement was issued by a broad coalition including the Civil Democratic Alliance for the Forces of Revolution (Somoud), led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, the Democratic Bloc (an ally of the Sudanese army), and the Arab Socialist Baath Party, alongside various other political groups, public figures, and civil society organizations. The agreement aims to achieve comprehensive peace, cease hostilities, and preserve Sudan's unity and sovereignty.

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The consensus reflected a shared political and civil will to end the fighting and pave the way for a comprehensive, peaceful settlement.

This breakthrough involved uniting anti-war forces, represented by Somoud and the Democratic Bloc, the largest political alliance supporting the Sudanese army. The draft consensus was presented to the international quintet mechanism, comprising the African Union, Arab League, European Union, United Nations, and IGAD. The agreement emerged after the failure of a formal Quintet-called meeting, prompting intensive side consultations among the Sudanese factions.

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Any political process must be comprehensive, with priority given to addressing the humanitarian disaster caused by the war, expanding civic space, and creating the conditions needed for a successful national dialogue.

Key aspects of the consensus include prioritizing the humanitarian crisis caused by the war, expanding civil liberties, and creating conditions for a national dialogue. The agreement also stresses the importance of accountability for war crimes, transitional justice, and addressing the deep social and psychological scars left by the conflict. Signatories agreed to form a preparatory committee of up to 40 members, ensuring political, geographic, social, professional, and gender diversity, including representation from those displaced by the war, to guide the subsequent political process.

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It also stressed accountability for war crimes, criminal justice, and transitional justice to address the social and psychological scars left by the conflict.