Global and African Powers Unify to Enforce Time-Bound Civilian Transition in Sudan
Sudanese chant slogans as they gather during a sit-in outside the army headquarters in Khartoum on May 2, 2019. Sudanese army rulers and protesters on May 21, 2019 failed to reach an agreement yet again on the make-up of a new ruling body. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
JOHANNESBURG—A broad coalition of international and regional powers, including the United States, the European Union, the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN), have reaffirmed their collective, unwavering commitment to establishing an inclusive, civilian-led political transition in Sudan, following recent high-level consultations in Addis Ababa.
The joint statement, issued June 8, 2026, marks an escalation in diplomatic efforts, stressing that a sustainable resolution to Sudan’s devastating conflict “must be rooted in an inclusive, civilian-led political process” and that “there can be no military solution to this crisis”.
The consultations, held by the Quintet (AU, IGAD, LAS, EU, and UN) from June 3-5, 2026, followed the Sudan conference in Berlin in April. The parties welcomed the outcomes of the Berlin Conference, particularly the “Berlin Principles for Sudan” and the “Joint Call to End the War and Advance a Sudanese-Owned Political Process” from civilian stakeholders, as important steps toward supporting a civilian-led path.
Key Focus: A Time-Bound Civilian Track
The joint statement underscores the critical importance of advancing the civilian track as the central pillar in efforts to end the war and lay the groundwork for a democratic transition.
Crucially, the coalition collectively supports the Quintet’s urgent preparations for a comprehensive and inclusive Sudanese civilian-led dialogue process to commence “in the coming few weeks”. This dialogue is intended to bring together a broad spectrum of civilian and political actors, including representatives of civil society, women’s groups, and youth, and should be transparent and free from coercion.
A clear timeline has been proposed, with the expectation that this dialogue should be feasibly and reasonably concluded in a timely manner—”ideally within six months”. The outcome must establish a clear pathway toward an independent civilian-led government, grounded in legitimacy, accountability, and respect for human rights. The establishment of such a government is deemed “indispensable” to ensuring a durable end to the conflict.
Accountability and Humanitarian Crisis
The statement also addresses the ongoing crisis, expressing deep concern over the “devastating humanitarian consequences,” including massive displacement, acute food insecurity, and limited access to basic services, alongside persistent attacks on civilians and infrastructure.
The coalition reaffirmed the urgent need for a humanitarian truce that leads to a permanent ceasefire, emphasizing that the protection of civilians must remain central.
In a signal that the international community is prepared to act against spoilers, the statement explicitly warns that “appropriate measures will be considered by the international community against those who seek to undermine the civilian transition process”. This reinforces the message that the future governance of Sudan is for the Sudanese people to decide through an independent, inclusive, and transparent civilian-led transition process.
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