Today's Edition
Asmaa Al-Hussaini (Khartoum)
A chorus of concerns has risen over the persisting conflict and growing polarisation in Sudan, as political figures and analysts warn of the potentially catastrophic repercussions for the nation’s unity.
They have called for an immediate ceasefire, the establishment of secure humanitarian corridors to assist millions of Sudanese citizens, and an urgent commitment to negotiations addressing the root causes of the crisis.
Salah Jalal, a leading figure in the National Umma Party, conveyed to Aletihad that the six-month-long conflict in Sudan constitutes a grave existential threat.
He emphasised that Sudan cannot endure power and wealth struggles among competing factions, adding that restoring stability and peace requires boldness and painful concessions.
“This entails the endorsement of a lasting ceasefire, under international observation, the formulation of security arrangements, the establishment of a unified national and professional army, and the creation of an efficient mechanism to ensure the swift distribution of humanitarian aid across all regions of Sudan,” Jalal added.
Furthermore, it demands a commitment to a comprehensive and credible political process that facilitates national consensus and reconciliation. Following this, the formation of a civilian national government becomes imperative as a means of stopping the devastating war, with sufficient popular and regional backing, as well as international acceptance for the rebuilding process.
Meanwhile, Maher Abu Al-Jawhak, a leader within the Forces for Freedom and Change, informed Aletihad that hints from the warring factions in terms of declaration of governments and capitals in controlled territories may be a tactical maneuver.
He reiterated the Freedom and Change Forces’ unequivocal rejection of any parallel government suggestions, emphasising that such a move would exacerbate the crisis and escalate the conflict.
They have duly cautioned both international and regional actors against the dangers of such actions, or even their comntemplation.
Fayez Al-Sheikh Al-Salik, a Sudanese writer and political analyst, conveyed to Aletihad that there is no viable solution to the Sudanese crisis except engaging with initiatives that aim to halt hostilities and advocate for dialogue, culminating in the formation of a civilian-led transitional government and paving the way for democratic elections.
Al-Salik added that Sudan urgently requires domestic endeavours and external support to terminate the war and reconstruct the damage caused by the prolonged strife. He cautioned that the persistence of the conflict could result in a transborder war, with catastrophic implications for neighbouring nations. This underscores the necessity for coordinated efforts to consolidate the proposed initiatives into a unified path for ending hostilities in Sudan and instigating an all-encompassing political process.
