KHARTOUM – France has called for an inclusive Sudanese national dialogue aimed at rebuilding a civilian state and preserving the country’s unity, following talks in Khartoum with members of the preparatory committee for a Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue.

The French Embassy in Sudan said the discussions were “fruitful and frank” and focused on rebuilding trust among Sudanese as the country’s war enters another phase of diplomatic efforts to find a political settlement.

The embassy said dialogue should prevail over armed confrontation and argued that preventing another cycle of war would require a process that draws lessons from Sudan’s past and restores a civilian state serving all components of society.

The talks are part of consultations by the dialogue preparatory committee with political groups, civil society actors and diplomatic representatives as it seeks to build common ground around a broader Sudanese political process.

The committee has also held discussions with the Forces of Freedom and Change–Democratic Bloc, which expressed willingness to engage with preparations for the dialogue while calling for broad participation and opposing political exclusion.

France stressed the importance of women’s participation in any future political process and said preserving Sudan’s territorial unity should remain central to efforts to end the crisis.

“The dream of the revolution is stronger than the war,” the embassy said, linking a sustainable settlement to restoring civilian government and ensuring representation for Sudan’s diverse communities.

Sudan has been at war since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), triggering mass displacement, widespread destruction and a deepening humanitarian crisis.

The French Embassy also called on the international community, particularly through the Quintet, to speak with one voice in support of an inclusive national dialogue.

The preparatory committee has been expanding contacts with regional and international actors. Following a meeting with the Saudi ambassador on Oct. 8, it said discussions had focused on the inclusiveness of the proposed dialogue, potential participants and its possible role in addressing Sudan’s political crisis.

No date has been announced for the start of the dialogue, and the French statement did not provide details on participants or any agreed implementation framework.