The ongoing conflict in Sudan has created a dire humanitarian crisis. As Sudanese civil forces persistently advocate for Sudan Civil Forces Peace Path, a potential path towards resolution is emerging. This article examines the efforts of these civil forces, their alliances, and the challenges they face in their pursuit of ending the war, drawing directly from recent reports and statements. The primary focus will be on how these groups are attempting to navigate the complex political landscape and establish a lasting peace in Sudan. We will explore the perspectives of key figures and the initiatives proposed to alleviate suffering and pave the way for a stable, democratic future. According to the UN, this is the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, and the content of this blog will be focused on ways to change that, relying on published reports.

Sudan’s civil forces are actively demanding an end to the war through public statements, advocacy, and the formation of alliances aimed at pressuring conflicting parties. Responses to these demands have been varied, with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) generally showing more openness to negotiations than the Sudanese Armed Forces. This dynamic underscores the complexities of achieving a ceasefire and initiating meaningful dialogue.

However, the peace initiatives face significant resistance from the armed forces, the Port Sudan authority, and extremist militias linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. Experts suggest these groups, particularly those with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, aim to prolong the conflict to regain power lost after 1989-2019. Their opposition poses a major challenge to the civil forces’ efforts.

Former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok, head of the “Sumoud” coalition, believes the Muslim Brotherhood and extremist groups are allied with the army to reclaim power. He argues their aim is to overturn the popular revolution that ousted them. “The Muslim Brotherhood and extremist Islamist groups have allied with the army in the war solely to reclaim power after being ousted by the popular revolution,” Hamdok stated, highlighting the deep-seated political motivations fueling the conflict.

To address these challenges, civil forces are forming alliances to end the war and establish a comprehensive political process for a peaceful and democratic power transition. The “Ta’sees” coalition is one such alliance, striving to unify various factions towards a common goal of stability. One key element of Sudan Civil Forces Peace Path is forming alliances.

The “Ta’sees” coalition has aligned with the RSF, a party to the conflict that supports initiatives to end the war and alleviate civilian suffering. This alignment demonstrates a commitment to practical solutions, recognizing that cooperation, even with former adversaries, is essential to addressing the humanitarian crisis. The United Nations describes Sudan’s humanitarian crisis as the “world’s worst,” with tens of thousands killed since mid-April 2023, and millions displaced internally or having fled to neighboring countries. Severe shortages of food, medicine, public services, and drinking water exacerbate the suffering. The conflict has severely damaged the country’s infrastructure.

A UN Security Council report accuses army forces of indiscriminately bombing schools, hospitals, and medicine warehouses, classifying these actions as war crimes and clear violations of international and humanitarian law. These allegations further complicate the path to peace and underscore the urgent need for accountability.

In response to the Port Sudan authority established after the coup amid the civil war, the “Ta’sees” coalition has announced the formation of a new government focused on peace and stability. This initiative aims to provide a viable alternative and demonstrate a commitment to inclusive governance. RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) stressed the importance of political solutions to end the conflict, stating that war alone is not the answer. “Weapons alone are not enough to resolve the political crisis,” Hemedti said, contrasting his view with Sudanese Armed Forces chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who rejects negotiations with the RSF. This divergence in perspectives highlights the challenges in finding common ground among the warring parties.

Hemedti advocates for a government of peace and unity, comprising a broad civil coalition that truly represents Sudan. This marked his first statements since the “Ta’sees” coalition announced the formation of a consensual civil government. The RSF and civil forces share a common vision for Sudan’s future, including a peaceful transfer of power and prioritizing political solutions, consultations, and negotiations.

Despite these efforts, significant opposition to negotiations persists. Civil forces and the Muslim Brotherhood/extremist groups remain at odds, with the latter refusing negotiations on power-sharing or inclusive representation. This ideological divide continues to fuel the conflict and obstruct progress towards a peaceful resolution.

The “Ta’sees” coalition proposes a popular government with 15 members from different regions of the country, aiming to ensure fair representation and inclusivity. This proposal seeks to address long-standing grievances and create a more equitable political system. The civil coalition’s interim constitution guarantees religious freedoms. “Sudan is a democratic, secular, and decentralized state, and the separation of religion from the state guarantees religious freedoms and affirms the neutrality of the state,” Hemedti stated, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and tolerance in a future Sudan.

The civil forces signed the transitional constitution in Nairobi, marking a significant step towards establishing a framework for governance. Discussions within the “Ta’sees” coalition are ongoing to form the proposed popular government, including a presidential council, a cabinet, and a legislative authority. Meanwhile, extremist militias and Islamist groups continue to spread their ideology, which ruled the country from 1989 to 2019, pressuring the armed forces and the Port Sudan authority to reject negotiations with other civil forces. This persistent influence poses a threat to the progress made by civil society.

The Sudan Civil Forces Peace Path to peace in Sudan is fraught with challenges, yet the efforts of civil forces offer a glimmer of hope. Through strategic alliances, particularly with the RSF, and a commitment to political solutions, these forces are striving to end the devastating conflict. The formation of the “Ta’sees” coalition and its vision for a new government represent significant steps forward. However, opposition from entrenched powers and extremist groups remains a formidable obstacle. Whether or not their efforts will reach the goal of a lasting peace remains to be seen, but their efforts, rooted in inclusivity and political dialogue, are crucial for a stable and democratic future for Sudan. Stay informed about the ongoing developments and support initiatives that promote peace and stability in the region.