Sudan cannot afford to dismiss a chance for dialogue

What the report says

Al Jazeera published an opinion piece arguing that Sudan’s warring factions and civilian political forces should not dismiss a new bid to promote internal dialogue, even amid deep doubts about its independence. The article says the effort was launched in August by a 19-member group of Sudanese public figures, chaired by Ahfad University President Qasim Badri, with the aim of preparing the ground for national talks inside Sudan.

The piece notes that the committee met with Sudanese Armed Forces chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and that authorities later eased some politically motivated charges against Sudanese returning from abroad for dialogue, along with temporary legal protections for participants. Those steps are described as limited but potentially useful confidence-building measures. The author also points out that the initiative began in Khartoum, an army-controlled city, which has fueled criticism from groups that fear it could give military authorities political cover.

The article says the civilian coalition Sumoud, led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, and Ta’sis, an alliance that includes the Rapid Support Forces, have both rejected the plan. Their concerns include whether a process linked to army-held territory can be trusted by people across Sudan, including displaced civilians and those outside government control. Regional backing from the African Union Commission and the Arab League is also mentioned as supportive but not sufficient on its own.

Overall, the commentary argues that Sudan’s war cannot be resolved by force alone and that any viable political settlement will require Sudanese actors to engage one another directly. It emphasizes that a preparatory dialogue process should be judged by whether it becomes broader, more inclusive and credible over time.