Sudanese Foreign Minister Discusses National Dialogue and Peace Roadmap

Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef Al-Sharif stated in an interview with Al Jazeera that the government is engaging in discussions with various national forces as part of a Sudanese national dialogue aimed at resolving the country’s ongoing crisis.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Al-Sharif revealed that he held talks with foreign ministers of allied nations regarding the roadmap announced by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of the Sovereign Council, to achieve national reconciliation.

The Sudanese minister called on the international community—particularly the African Union, the United Nations, and the Arab League—to support the roadmap, describing it as a crucial national consensus to establish peace and stability and to complete the country’s transitional process.

Following recent battlefield gains by the Sudanese army, state leadership, in consultation with national and community forces, has introduced a roadmap to prepare for the post-war phase. The plan aims to resume an inclusive political process, ultimately leading to free and fair general elections.

The proposed roadmap outlines the formation of a civilian-led transitional government for a period ranging from one to three years. This government would be headed by a civilian prime minister and include ministers selected from independent professionals, culminating in nationwide elections.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been gripped by a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The war has resulted in over 20,000 deaths and displaced approximately 15 million people, according to the United Nations and local authorities. A study by American universities estimates the death toll to be as high as 130,000.

The international community, including the UN, continues to issue urgent calls for an end to the conflict to prevent a looming humanitarian catastrophe. The war, which has spread to 13 of Sudan’s 18 states, has raised fears of mass famine and further loss of life.