Sudanhorizon Reports the Full Text of the Final Statement of Sudanese Forces Participating in the Preparatory Meeting to Launch the Political Dialogue Process Between Sudanese Parties

Sudanhorizon – Addis Ababa – July 15, 2024

Final Statement

At the kind invitation of the High-Level Mechanism of the African Union for Sudan, representatives from Sudanese political and civil forces, resistance committees, and societal and religious forces gathered to consult on preparing for the political process and Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue, with the participation of IGAD;
Recognizing the national and historical responsibility entrusted to us, and believing that dialogue is the successful method for resolving conflicts and building consensus;
In tribute to the souls of the martyrs of the war, including the army, other regular forces, civilians, and the martyrs of accumulated Sudanese revolutions who sacrificed their lives for democracy, freedom, justice, and peace, and acknowledging the struggles of Sudanese women, and in support of the displaced, refugees, and the youth who continue to sacrifice for this nation, we, the undersigned Sudanese political, civil, revolutionary, societal, and religious forces (14 Sudanese blocs), participated in the preparatory meeting to launch the political dialogue process at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from July 10 to 15, 2024;
After in-depth discussions on the dire security, humanitarian, and political situations in the country, the foundations, standards, and technical aspects of preparing for the Sudanese-Sudanese political dialogue, identifying the participating parties and topics, especially ending the war, humanitarian issues, peace, and democratic transition, as well as the timing and location of the dialogue, its management, and the role of the international community, we issue the following statement:

1. In the interest of the unity of Sudan, its land, and people, and its sovereignty and independence, we affirm our support for Sudanese state institutions.
2. We emphasize that the top priority is the immediate cessation of the war, reaffirming Sudanese state sovereignty, the unity of its structures and people, and its full responsibility over the homeland, facilitating urgent and unhindered humanitarian aid delivery. In this context, we stress the importance of adhering to the implementation of the Jeddah Agreement signed on May 11, 2023.
3. We condemn the gross violations committed by the Rapid Support Forces militia, including killing, rape, displacement, home occupation, looting, and theft of citizens’ properties, occupation of civilian landmarks, and destruction of civil and service facilities, as well as disrupting the agricultural season and production cycle. We also condemn external forces supporting the rebellion and all violations accompanying the war and its consequences. We assert the necessity of criminal and moral accountability for perpetrators to uphold the rule of law and end impunity.
4. We deliberated on issues related to the proper preparation and organization of the political process and Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue with a spirit of consensus and transparency. We agreed that the dialogue should be inclusive, excluding only those accused or convicted of war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide against civilians according to the law or the constitutional document.
5. It was agreed that the Sudanese dialogue should address issues of ending the war, humanitarian assistance, transitional government, justice and transitional justice, accountability, and issues concerning women and youth. We emphasize that the dialogue is a Sudanese process owned by all Sudanese men and women. We agreed that the Sudanese-Sudanese political dialogue conference should be held inside Sudan after reaching a ceasefire, with continuous consultation, dialogue, coordination, and serious preparation starting now, aiming to establish a unified democratic state based on equal citizenship and sustainable peace.
6. Appreciating the role of the regional and international community in contributing to resolving the Sudanese issue, we value the efforts of the African Union, regional and international partners, and their organizations in facilitating and expediting the solution. We also welcome their efforts in speeding up the resolution and express our appreciation for all initiatives aimed at unifying the internal front. We rely on the success of the roles played by Saudi Arabia and the United States in the Jeddah platform concerning military, security, and humanitarian arrangements, and commend Egypt’s efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis. We call for unifying initiatives regarding the Sudanese crisis under the African Union’s umbrella.
7. Considering the suffering of the Sudanese people due to the war and preparing the appropriate climate for Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue, we call on the African Union to lift the suspension of Sudan’s membership.
8. We also call for forming an interim caretaker government, with consultation on its tasks, powers, formation, and timing among all concerned parties, taking into account the experiences of the previous transitional period, without partisan quotas.
9. We welcome the humanitarian role played by Saudi Arabia, the United States, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, Eritrea, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Turkey, Uganda, Russia, and China.
10. We feel deep sorrow and pain over the plight of our noble people suffering from killing, displacement, and searching for safety and security, with several regions in Sudan facing food shortages. We call for activating relief and assistance for the displaced and refugees and appeal to all Sudanese, the Sudanese government, and regional and international communities to intensify humanitarian work and urgent needs fulfillment.
11. We also urge the Sudanese government to make more efforts to alleviate the suffering of the displaced, work on their stability, and enable willing refugees to return.

Finally, we extend our gratitude and appreciation to Ethiopia, the host country, for the honor of holding the meeting in Addis Ababa. We also thank the African Union Commission and its High-Level Mechanism for Sudan, and all the Commission’s staff who made our meeting possible and successful.
As we pledge to our people that we will not deviate from the path of serious dialogue and persistent efforts for consensus, we call on all political forces to join with the same determination and political will to accomplish this noble national mission. We assure our great people that the darkness will clear, and the sun of hope, peace, and security will shine.