Sudan’s army chief holds unannounced talks on national dialogue

Sudan’s army chief holds unannounced talks on national dialogue

The consultations include proposals to drop charges punishable by death against opposition leaders and to form a preparatory committee for the proposed conference. The political sources, who requested anonymity, said the consultations focused on the need for a comprehensive Sudanese conference involving key political players. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have been at war with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023. Those involved in the consultations have largely agreed on the need for practical steps to create a climate conducive to dialogue, including an end to media campaigns against political opponents. According to the same sources, a majority of those taking part have agreed on practical steps to create a climate conducive to dialogue, including halting negative media campaigns and suspending criminal charges carrying the death penalty against dozens of opponents of the army-led Transitional Sovereignty Council – primarily members of the Somoud Alliance, a political grouping led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. The charges against Hamdok and other political figures tied to Somoud include war crimes, inciting war against the state, and undermining the constitution. Somoud has been accused of supporting the RSF, but has always denied such claims. Participants in the consultations have agreed on the need to select a preparatory committee for the dialogue conference, made up of independent, widely accepted figures with specialised expertise. The committee would determine who takes part, the agenda, and the venue and date of the conference, as well as invite international and regional parties to monitor it, according to the political sources.