KHARTOUM – A group of Sudanese political forces opposed to the war and aligned with neither side has urged the United Nations and Security Council to back an immediate humanitarian truce, stronger civilian protection and a nationwide arms embargo as part of efforts to end the conflict.
In a joint letter addressed to U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and members of the U.N. Security Council, the signatories called for urgent international action to halt the war and protect civilians.
The letter said an immediate and comprehensive humanitarian truce, measures to protect civilians and guarantees for unhindered humanitarian access should be among the international community’s top priorities.
The political groups also called for support for an inclusive Sudanese peace process leading to a democratic civilian transition.
They said such a process should include Sudanese political and civil forces while excluding the former ruling National Congress Party, the Islamic Movement and what they described as affiliated fronts.
The signatories also urged the Security Council to take immediate steps to stop external involvement in the conflict, including extending the existing U.N. arms embargo beyond Darfur to cover all of Sudan.
The call comes amid continuing divisions at the Security Council over the scope of the embargo. Earlier this month, the council extended the existing Darfur sanctions regime for one month after members failed to reach agreement on a proposal to expand the arms embargo nationwide.
The political forces also called for accountability for violations committed during the war and said civilian protection and justice should form central elements of any political process.
They urged international institutions not to legitimize any authority they described as having emerged through a coup or through military force.
The signatories said they would continue working inside and outside Sudan to end civilian suffering, stop the war and help open the way for what they described as a just and lasting peace and a genuine democratic civilian transition.
Sudanese civilian groups have increasingly pressed international actors to prioritize a ceasefire, humanitarian access and civilian protection as fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues.
