Khartoum – Sudan Now | 17 February 2026
Sudanese civil and political forces have called for the declaration of an immediate and comprehensive humanitarian truce at the start of the holy month of Ramadan, the release of civilian detainees held by both parties to the conflict and the initiation of arrangements for a prisoner exchange under international supervision.
The appeal was made in a memorandum addressed to the leadership of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, in which the signatory groups said the call comes amid the continuation of the war and the deepening humanitarian suffering affecting millions of Sudanese.
The memorandum called for an end to hostilities, the protection of civilians, their residential areas, and vital facilities, as well as the opening of safe corridors for the delivery of humanitarian aid and enabling national and international organizations to carry out their work without obstruction.
It also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all civilian detainees held by both sides, and for the prompt initiation of arrangements for a prisoner exchange in accordance with international humanitarian law, alongside the establishment of clear monitoring and oversight mechanisms to ensure adherence to the truce and prevent its exploitation for military purposes.
The signatory forces said the initiative stems from a sense of “moral and national responsibility” and aims to alleviate civilian suffering while creating conditions for steps toward peace.
The memorandum was signed by a number of political parties and civil forces, including the National Umma Party, the Federal Gathering, the Sudanese Congress Party, the Popular Congress Party, and the Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party, as well as professional and trade union coordination bodies and resistance committees within the Somoud Alliance.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been gripped by a war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians and the displacement of millions, alongside widespread destruction of infrastructure and a severe deterioration of humanitarian conditions.
Local and international calls for a ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian truces have been repeated, especially as food and medical needs worsen and access to aid becomes increasingly difficult across large areas of the country.
