Sudan's Somoud Bloc Rejects Cairo Mediation Talks

Sudanese Political Alliance Refuses to Participate in French-Facilitated Talks

On Friday, the Civil Democratic Alliance of the Forces of the Revolution, known as ‘Somoud,’ announced its decision not to take part in the meetings organized by the French facilitation group, Promediation, which are aimed at bringing together various Sudanese political forces in Cairo. This move comes amid ongoing efforts to find a resolution to the country’s protracted conflict.

The Swiss city of Nyon hosted a series of political consultations at the end of last October, where many Sudanese groups participated. Following these discussions, the participants issued a joint statement emphasizing the need to halt the war and initiate a comprehensive political process that would lead to an end of the conflict and the establishment of democratic civilian rule.

Representatives from the Somoud alliance were among those present at the Nyon talks, along with members of the Democratic Bloc alliance, which supports the army, as well as representatives from the Sudan Liberation Movement led by Mini Arko Minnawi, Mubarak Ardol (Chairman of the Democratic Alliance for Social Justice), and Nabil Adib, who represents the civilian forces within the alliance.

Other groups, including the National Movement Alliance headed by Al-Tijani Sisi and the National Consensus Alliance, also attended the consultations.

Reasons Behind the Decision

Bakry Eljack, the spokesperson for the Somoud alliance, stated in a press release that the invitation to the Cairo meeting was not extended to the alliance as a whole but rather to some of its member political parties. These parties have chosen not to attend the scheduled meeting on November 20.

Eljack explained that the alliance has held five informal meetings with most components of the Democratic Bloc, resulting in significant understandings, including a Declaration of Principles for Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue.

He emphasized the alliance's willingness to engage in dialogue with the Democratic Bloc, the forces allied with the Armed Forces, as well as with the political factions within 'Tasis,' an alliance that includes the RSF group.

Future Steps and Conditions

Eljack confirmed that the alliance is seeking agreement to form a preparatory committee tasked with defining the parties involved in the political process, the issues to be addressed, the location of the dialogue, and the roles of regional and international facilitators.

He added that the alliance does not refuse to engage with all parties, except for the National Congress Party and its Islamic Movement. This stance is part of broader efforts to agree on a national formula to end the war and build a consensual national project.

In addition, the alliance plans to participate in consultative meetings organized by the African Union and IGAD in the second half of December.

Ongoing Efforts for Peace

Despite the decision to skip the French-facilitated talks, the Somoud alliance remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The alliance continues to work towards fostering dialogue and cooperation among various Sudanese political groups, with the ultimate goal of achieving stability and democracy in the region.

As the situation evolves, the role of regional and international actors in facilitating peace remains crucial. The involvement of organizations such as the African Union and IGAD highlights the importance of multilateral efforts in addressing the complex challenges facing Sudan.

With continued engagement and cooperation, there is hope that a sustainable solution can be reached, paving the way for a brighter future for the people of Sudan.