As Sudan approaches the one-year mark of a devastating conflict that erupted on April 15, amidst ongoing hostilities, a significant political solution has been proposed by a coalition of civil groups and political parties.
The plan, detailed in a document titled “Proposed Political Solution to End the War and Establish the Sudanese State,” suggests an initial 60-day ceasefire. This ceasefire is envisioned as the first step towards forming a transitional civilian government and a unified national army over a ten-year transition period.
The proposal has attracted international and Arab support. It is structured around three critical pillars: laying down the comprehensive solution’s principles, halting hostilities, facilitating humanitarian aid, and outlining the political transition process.
Championed by Abdullah Hamdok, Sudan’s former Prime Minister, and the “Sudanese Professionals Association,” this initiative aligns with ongoing peace efforts, including the significant Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023, alongside roadmaps by IGAD, the African Union, and the “Declaration of Principles” from Manama on January 20 of the prior year.
However, concerns have been raised by key political parties, including the National Umma Party, the Communist Party, and the Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party. They’ve recently issued warnings against what they perceive as a settlement project potentially sharing power between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces for ten years. These parties have outright rejected the proposed project, advocating for a united civilian front to cease the war.
Despite hopes for a ceasefire during the ongoing month of Ramadan, such efforts have yet to materialize. Earlier this month (March 2024), the UN Security Council endorsed a resolution advocating for a Ramadan ceasefire, backed by 14 countries, highlighting the international community’s engagement yet underlining the challenges in achieving peace.
This newly proposed pathway to peace offers a glimmer of hope for Sudan, currently mired in conflict. By advocating for a ceasefire, the establishment of a transitional government, and the unification of military forces, the proposal seeks to address both the immediate need to end violence and the longer-term goal of political stability and unity. The broad backing from both Sudanese civil society and the international community underscores the urgent desire for a sustainable resolution to the crisis, marking a critical juncture in Sudan’s tumultuous journey toward peace and reconciliation.
